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How to Honeymoon Alone
A paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw coming…
When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off.
She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails until she feels like herself again… or falls over. Whichever comes first. What she’s not expecting is the brusque, handsome stranger who sits down at her table on the first night.
Philip Meyer is a grumpy workaholic, and so irritatingly cynical that it makes her forget she’s grieving just to prove him wrong about the world. The two have nothing in common… except trying to forget who they’ve left behind.
The luxury resort isn’t too big, and fate soon pushes them together again. And again. Catamaran cruises and midnight swims give way to late night room service and whispered nothings. Maybe opposites really do attract.
But every vacation has to end, even the very best ones… Can these two opposites make it last?
This steamy romantic comedy is the perfect summer read! Great for fans of The Love Hypothesis or Beach Read, it involves a feisty heroine and the grumpy hero who reluctantly (but inevitably) falls for her charms...
When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off.
She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails until she feels like herself again… or falls over. Whichever comes first. What she’s not expecting is the brusque, handsome stranger who sits down at her table on the first night.
Philip Meyer is a grumpy workaholic, and so irritatingly cynical that it makes her forget she’s grieving just to prove him wrong about the world. The two have nothing in common… except trying to forget who they’ve left behind.
The luxury resort isn’t too big, and fate soon pushes them together again. And again. Catamaran cruises and midnight swims give way to late night room service and whispered nothings. Maybe opposites really do attract.
But every vacation has to end, even the very best ones… Can these two opposites make it last?
This steamy romantic comedy is the perfect summer read! Great for fans of The Love Hypothesis or Beach Read, it involves a feisty heroine and the grumpy hero who reluctantly (but inevitably) falls for her charms...
306 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2023
1380 people are currently reading
28733 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Hayle
30 books3,252 followersHi there! I'm Olivia.
I write romance with billionaire heroes (despite never having met one in person). They're strong, ambitious, they don't need love... until they meet the women who change their minds.
I love witty banter, smart heroines, big cities and perfectly tailored suits. You'll find all four in every one of my books! 💜
➡ Explore the bonus content: https://oliviahayle.com/bonus-content
➡ Visit https://oliviahayle.com
READING ORDER
You can read any of the books as standalones, because each book follows a new couple. But if you ask me? This is my personal preference...
The Connovan Chronicles
- Best Enemies Forever
- The Perfect Mistake
- One Wrong Move
New York Billionaires
- Think Outside the Boss
- Saved by the Boss
- Say Yes to the Boss
- A Ticking Time Boss
- Suite on the Boss
- 12 Days of Bossmas
Seattle Billionaires
- Billion Dollar Enemy
- Billion Dollar Beast
- Billion Dollar Catch
- Billion Dollar Fiancé
Brothers of Paradise
- Dark Eyed Devil
- Ice Cold Boss
- Red Hot Rebel
- Small Town Hero
Standalones
- Arrogant Boss
- Look But Don't Touch
- The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door
- How to Honeymoon Alone
I write romance with billionaire heroes (despite never having met one in person). They're strong, ambitious, they don't need love... until they meet the women who change their minds.
I love witty banter, smart heroines, big cities and perfectly tailored suits. You'll find all four in every one of my books! 💜
➡ Explore the bonus content: https://oliviahayle.com/bonus-content
➡ Visit https://oliviahayle.com
READING ORDER
You can read any of the books as standalones, because each book follows a new couple. But if you ask me? This is my personal preference...
The Connovan Chronicles
- Best Enemies Forever
- The Perfect Mistake
- One Wrong Move
New York Billionaires
- Think Outside the Boss
- Saved by the Boss
- Say Yes to the Boss
- A Ticking Time Boss
- Suite on the Boss
- 12 Days of Bossmas
Seattle Billionaires
- Billion Dollar Enemy
- Billion Dollar Beast
- Billion Dollar Catch
- Billion Dollar Fiancé
Brothers of Paradise
- Dark Eyed Devil
- Ice Cold Boss
- Red Hot Rebel
- Small Town Hero
Standalones
- Arrogant Boss
- Look But Don't Touch
- The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door
- How to Honeymoon Alone
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,152 reviews
November 27, 2023
4.5 One Last Night Stars ⭐
What are the odds? Two people alone on their supposed honeymoon in Barbados. Yet here they are. Both Eden and Philip have just broken up with their respective partners they were meant to wed. Now they're surrounded by disgustingly happy couples, rose petals and far too much PDA to stomach.
“You’re the most wonderful thing I never saw coming. I need more of it in my life.”
Where Eden has finally gotten herself back together and has decided to use this vacation as an adventure, Philip is treating Barbados as an outdoor office. When Philip crashes Eden's dinner for one, it sets off a chain of chance meetings. To be fair it's a small island. Depends on how you interpret things.
Surprisingly these two become each other's plus one. Swimming, sightseeing, great banter, no strings, no expectations. And as the two weeks go by; could two people not fit for another relationship, contemplate a rebound let alone a new beginning?
My knees are clamped around his shoulders, and he’s kissing my inner thighs, looking up at me.
“Hi,” I whisper.
He smiles, and it’s a wondrous thing. “You’re glorious.”
And I surprise myself by believing it.
Wonderfully slow burn without being boring, How to Honeymoon Alone was witty, heartwarming and inspiring. The old saying of life giving you lemons...you make limoncello 😋. Definitely a grumpy meets sunshine scenario but these two together were romance meeting goals!!
What are the odds? Two people alone on their supposed honeymoon in Barbados. Yet here they are. Both Eden and Philip have just broken up with their respective partners they were meant to wed. Now they're surrounded by disgustingly happy couples, rose petals and far too much PDA to stomach.
“You’re the most wonderful thing I never saw coming. I need more of it in my life.”
Where Eden has finally gotten herself back together and has decided to use this vacation as an adventure, Philip is treating Barbados as an outdoor office. When Philip crashes Eden's dinner for one, it sets off a chain of chance meetings. To be fair it's a small island. Depends on how you interpret things.
Surprisingly these two become each other's plus one. Swimming, sightseeing, great banter, no strings, no expectations. And as the two weeks go by; could two people not fit for another relationship, contemplate a rebound let alone a new beginning?
My knees are clamped around his shoulders, and he’s kissing my inner thighs, looking up at me.
“Hi,” I whisper.
He smiles, and it’s a wondrous thing. “You’re glorious.”
And I surprise myself by believing it.
Wonderfully slow burn without being boring, How to Honeymoon Alone was witty, heartwarming and inspiring. The old saying of life giving you lemons...you make limoncello 😋. Definitely a grumpy meets sunshine scenario but these two together were romance meeting goals!!
August 28, 2023
4.25/5
now this is what i call grumpy & sunshine!!! (those two might just have my favourite interactions of all time). such a cute and fun read to end your summer with!! the only thing it was missing was some scenes for me to cry over - i do like to shed a tear or two on a romance book💔 but yeah… had so much fun and finished it in one sitting
now this is what i call grumpy & sunshine!!! (those two might just have my favourite interactions of all time). such a cute and fun read to end your summer with!! the only thing it was missing was some scenes for me to cry over - i do like to shed a tear or two on a romance book💔 but yeah… had so much fun and finished it in one sitting
May 7, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 3.5 ☆ ꒱
it was a nice read. the book’s vibe was pretty cute. the beginning was very interesting but i’ve lost a little bit of the spark i have by the end of the book. kinda insta-lovey too. i would still recommend this tho. if u want a cute summer read, fast paced, grumpy x sunshine, a little bit of spice… read this.
it was a nice read. the book’s vibe was pretty cute. the beginning was very interesting but i’ve lost a little bit of the spark i have by the end of the book. kinda insta-lovey too. i would still recommend this tho. if u want a cute summer read, fast paced, grumpy x sunshine, a little bit of spice… read this.
dnf
August 1, 2024dnf @ 25%
the characters just felt so meh.
the characters just felt so meh.
July 10, 2023
4.5 ☆
This book is what the unhoneymooners wishes it could be.
This is like the fifth book ive read about people going on their honeymoons alone and i always eat it up like its coffee jelly and im Saiki k
The slowburn, the chemistry, the grumpy sunshine / random vs organised dynamics going on is just *chefs kiss* 💋
The last 30% felt a little slow but it was good anyway.
Honestly just the perfect summer read!
Ps. Where can i buy a man like this?? Ikea?? Mercadona? Jumbo? Is he on amazon prime?? And if so can i have same day delivery???
🌶️: 1.5/5
😆: 4/5
(😆 means entertainment level)
This book is what the unhoneymooners wishes it could be.
This is like the fifth book ive read about people going on their honeymoons alone and i always eat it up like its coffee jelly and im Saiki k
The slowburn, the chemistry, the grumpy sunshine / random vs organised dynamics going on is just *chefs kiss* 💋
The last 30% felt a little slow but it was good anyway.
Honestly just the perfect summer read!
Ps. Where can i buy a man like this?? Ikea?? Mercadona? Jumbo? Is he on amazon prime?? And if so can i have same day delivery???
🌶️: 1.5/5
😆: 4/5
(😆 means entertainment level)
July 21, 2023
Quiero conocer a un abogado adicto al trabajo en un hotel de playa, que me invite a su yate y nade entre tortugas conmigo. Un poco más de desarrollo a los personajes y habría sido perfecto, aún así lo disfruté muchísimo.
June 20, 2023
This was SO cute!! Grumpy x sunshine and they meet on a vacation that was supposed to be both of their honeymoons? Sign me up ✍️
December 13, 2023
review coming later because i fucking loved it.
December 6, 2023
Holiday romances have a strength and a weakness. They're actually the same thing, which makes it difficult for an author to navigate. On the one hand, you can fit a lot of interactions into a timeline without mundane or everyday interruptions. Your main characters can hang out for hours and days and it's believable because all everyday things are suspended.
On the other hand, it's an inherently artificial environment—a place our main characters can present their polished selves without the drain, emotional and physical, of the things they have to do to put bread on the table and a roof over their heads. This artificiality gives an author an extra challenge to show the couple connecting in a way that could survive the return to whatever constitutes "normal".
Hayle made the choice to lampshade the problem by having Eden explicitly refer to her Holiday Self and address that disparity head on in some key moments. That might have come across as hackneyed, but I think it actually worked (does that make it more a spotlight than lampshade? I have no idea). Or, at least it worked well enough for me. It doesn't hurt that I really liked this grumpy/sunshine matchup and was drawn to both leads; their interactions felt genuine and had a strong thread of flirtation/banter and good humor. I definitely bought their connection and that they'd make a strong go of their HEA.
Philip has a bit of wish-fulfillment at the heart of his character that shades into the billionaire trope without actually being one. And some of the plot is a bit weak and there are some convenient draws of luck compounding for a touch of dark moment (without really being one) so I can't go quite to five stars. But I was very engaged and am happy to call it a solid four. I'm definitely interested in picking up some of the author's other work (which appear to lean into billionaire wish-fulfillment, so I have that to look forward to).
A note about Steamy: There are four and some explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They actually worked very well and didn't have that edge some recent romances have where I feel like I'm on a set somewhere. There was heart in them, is what I mean, so I actually didn't skim nearly as much as I usually do.
On the other hand, it's an inherently artificial environment—a place our main characters can present their polished selves without the drain, emotional and physical, of the things they have to do to put bread on the table and a roof over their heads. This artificiality gives an author an extra challenge to show the couple connecting in a way that could survive the return to whatever constitutes "normal".
Hayle made the choice to lampshade the problem by having Eden explicitly refer to her Holiday Self and address that disparity head on in some key moments. That might have come across as hackneyed, but I think it actually worked (does that make it more a spotlight than lampshade? I have no idea). Or, at least it worked well enough for me. It doesn't hurt that I really liked this grumpy/sunshine matchup and was drawn to both leads; their interactions felt genuine and had a strong thread of flirtation/banter and good humor. I definitely bought their connection and that they'd make a strong go of their HEA.
Philip has a bit of wish-fulfillment at the heart of his character that shades into the billionaire trope without actually being one. And some of the plot is a bit weak and there are some convenient draws of luck compounding for a touch of dark moment (without really being one) so I can't go quite to five stars. But I was very engaged and am happy to call it a solid four. I'm definitely interested in picking up some of the author's other work (which appear to lean into billionaire wish-fulfillment, so I have that to look forward to).
A note about Steamy: There are four and some explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They actually worked very well and didn't have that edge some recent romances have where I feel like I'm on a set somewhere. There was heart in them, is what I mean, so I actually didn't skim nearly as much as I usually do.
April 11, 2024
Absolutely adorable. Gazing out at the cherry blossoms and listening to this book makes for a pretty great lunch hour. I recommend it.
Eden and Philip are each enjoying Island honeymoons, but alas both are doing so alone after their relationships fell apart after they made nonrefundable deposits. This is a wonderful grumpy-sunshine story. Thank you Ms. Hayle for not making your grump an irredeemable asshat. So often I cannot root for romance because the grump doesn't deserve love and the sunny one deserves better. Thank you too for not making the sunny one ickily cute. That happens a lot. Grown women running around in pigtails, making people pay into swear jars, and fangirling Disney princesses are not hot. I always assume eventually that is going to result in violence, and though I never justify violence I know I would understand how that happened. Here Eden, a kindergarten teacher from a small town in Wahington State for whom this trip is a dream and an extravagance, kindles the magic of travel and discovery in Philip, a workaholic M&A lawyer who has lived in NYC and Chicago for whom it is a drop in the bucket financially and a fairly minor destination in a well-traveled life. It is fun to run along with them. their conversations are fun and their adventures are delightful. The sexual tension and drugging kisses don't hurt either. (For those interested in steam level, there is a lot of kissing and not a ton of sex here, but when it happens the door is wide open.)
This author is new to me and I will be hitting the back-catalog. The writing quality is very high for romance. And the narration by Meg Price is just great. I expect this will end up on my list of favorite audio narration for 2024.
Eden and Philip are each enjoying Island honeymoons, but alas both are doing so alone after their relationships fell apart after they made nonrefundable deposits. This is a wonderful grumpy-sunshine story. Thank you Ms. Hayle for not making your grump an irredeemable asshat. So often I cannot root for romance because the grump doesn't deserve love and the sunny one deserves better. Thank you too for not making the sunny one ickily cute. That happens a lot. Grown women running around in pigtails, making people pay into swear jars, and fangirling Disney princesses are not hot. I always assume eventually that is going to result in violence, and though I never justify violence I know I would understand how that happened. Here Eden, a kindergarten teacher from a small town in Wahington State for whom this trip is a dream and an extravagance, kindles the magic of travel and discovery in Philip, a workaholic M&A lawyer who has lived in NYC and Chicago for whom it is a drop in the bucket financially and a fairly minor destination in a well-traveled life. It is fun to run along with them. their conversations are fun and their adventures are delightful. The sexual tension and drugging kisses don't hurt either. (For those interested in steam level, there is a lot of kissing and not a ton of sex here, but when it happens the door is wide open.)
This author is new to me and I will be hitting the back-catalog. The writing quality is very high for romance. And the narration by Meg Price is just great. I expect this will end up on my list of favorite audio narration for 2024.
August 3, 2023
1 star for the entertainment and pretty cover.
"That's the most devastating thing you can give him. Your happiness."
This was so boring I ended up sleeping while reading a sex scene.. the ship has no chemistry and it shows.
It took me weeks to get to 50% of this book, the plot is interesting, I mean two people who were left by their partners but still went to their honeymoons alone and met there, and fell in love with each other?? This could have been amazing.
This was an adventurous book, they went on a different activity every day they were in Barbados, it was nice to read but I think the problem for me was the writing, it wasn't good, it wasn't the kind of writing that makes you read the entire book in one sitting, it doesn't attract the reader, no matter how cute the cover is... it's not what the reader will remember.
In overall this was cute but boring, you could read the entire book thinking Eden and Philip are just friends bc they seem so platonic. And the miscommunication in the end is awful, I hate this trope.
Come chat with me about books and Taylor Swift on my twitter .
"That's the most devastating thing you can give him. Your happiness."
This was so boring I ended up sleeping while reading a sex scene.. the ship has no chemistry and it shows.
It took me weeks to get to 50% of this book, the plot is interesting, I mean two people who were left by their partners but still went to their honeymoons alone and met there, and fell in love with each other?? This could have been amazing.
This was an adventurous book, they went on a different activity every day they were in Barbados, it was nice to read but I think the problem for me was the writing, it wasn't good, it wasn't the kind of writing that makes you read the entire book in one sitting, it doesn't attract the reader, no matter how cute the cover is... it's not what the reader will remember.
In overall this was cute but boring, you could read the entire book thinking Eden and Philip are just friends bc they seem so platonic. And the miscommunication in the end is awful, I hate this trope.
Come chat with me about books and Taylor Swift on my twitter .
September 24, 2024
So fun. A nice summer romcom!
Pros:
1. Barbados as the vacation destination. Nice choice by the author.
3. I personally loved the leads, especially the female lead, because my inner writer connected to hers as we see inspiration everywhere.
Cons:
1. The first half of the book is sooo good. Afterward, the romance overtakes the story. Particularly, I wouldn't be saddened by this development but in this particular novel; the comedic elements and the whole vacation vibe were so much better than the romance aspect.
2. The author takes the safest way to add the climax, which is so cliche.
Pros:
1. Barbados as the vacation destination. Nice choice by the author.
3. I personally loved the leads, especially the female lead, because my inner writer connected to hers as we see inspiration everywhere.
Cons:
1. The first half of the book is sooo good. Afterward, the romance overtakes the story. Particularly, I wouldn't be saddened by this development but in this particular novel; the comedic elements and the whole vacation vibe were so much better than the romance aspect.
2. The author takes the safest way to add the climax, which is so cliche.
July 28, 2023
DNF 45%
Not horrible, but the conversations are too damn boring. They talk like how I talk to my coworkers.
I was so bored listening to the audiobook while driving, I almost fell asleep 🫠
I’m not gonna force myself to finish this when my TBR is still endless ✌️
Not horrible, but the conversations are too damn boring. They talk like how I talk to my coworkers.
I was so bored listening to the audiobook while driving, I almost fell asleep 🫠
I’m not gonna force myself to finish this when my TBR is still endless ✌️
July 8, 2023
4.25 stars!
Such a cute and uplifting summer read! 🥰
If you're looking for a fun book to enjoy during the summer holiday season, then this is probably for you! It's entertaining and heartwarming, takes place at a summer resort and brings together two characters who find themselves alone during what was supposed to be their respective honeymoons. The atmosphere screamed summer time, the chemistry was present, and the characters had actually enjoyable conversations.
I'm so happy I read this one - I was worried I'd never get back into a romance reading mood but this book proved me wrong. I liked both Eden and Phillip and I was thoroughly entertained by their interactions. In fact, all the summer activities and exploring they need on the island was making me feel like I was on holiday too. The writing did a great job at helping me visualise everything.
What was great to read about was the way this book placed self-discovery and finding oneself at the forefront of this. Yes this is a romance, but it wasn't just about the state of being in a relationship with someone. It presented the importance of being the best version of yourself, enjoying life and your surroundings, making sure you learn how to appreciate yourself and knowing your value and worth.
For my trope-loving people, this is grumpy x sunshine with a bit of slow-burn. :) It's also single pov, which I strangely didn't mind at all! 💖
Such a cute and uplifting summer read! 🥰
If you're looking for a fun book to enjoy during the summer holiday season, then this is probably for you! It's entertaining and heartwarming, takes place at a summer resort and brings together two characters who find themselves alone during what was supposed to be their respective honeymoons. The atmosphere screamed summer time, the chemistry was present, and the characters had actually enjoyable conversations.
I'm so happy I read this one - I was worried I'd never get back into a romance reading mood but this book proved me wrong. I liked both Eden and Phillip and I was thoroughly entertained by their interactions. In fact, all the summer activities and exploring they need on the island was making me feel like I was on holiday too. The writing did a great job at helping me visualise everything.
What was great to read about was the way this book placed self-discovery and finding oneself at the forefront of this. Yes this is a romance, but it wasn't just about the state of being in a relationship with someone. It presented the importance of being the best version of yourself, enjoying life and your surroundings, making sure you learn how to appreciate yourself and knowing your value and worth.
For my trope-loving people, this is grumpy x sunshine with a bit of slow-burn. :) It's also single pov, which I strangely didn't mind at all! 💖
November 27, 2024
4 stars. I really enjoyed this. It’s really fairly low angst until the end, and just a nice, calm book to listen to. I especially liked both MCs and how they got to know each other during their mutual non-honeymoons.
I appreciated that the epilogue was a few years out, I needed to know that these two made it long term.
Safe
No others for either of them after meeting
No major OM/OW drama but there is some minor drama caused by both of their ex partners.
Both MCs were engaged and on a vacation that was meant to be a honeymoon.
The heroine found her fiancé and best friend were having an affair, about three months prior.
The hero was left at the alter by his fiancee, not sure how long it had been, not very long though. He wasn’t overly heartbroken, moreso embarrassed by the situation.
Neither of them are excessively hung up on their exes, which was nice.
No scenes with OM/OW, no cheating
I appreciated that the epilogue was a few years out, I needed to know that these two made it long term.
Safe
No others for either of them after meeting
No major OM/OW drama but there is some minor drama caused by both of their ex partners.
Both MCs were engaged and on a vacation that was meant to be a honeymoon.
The heroine found her fiancé and best friend were having an affair, about three months prior.
The hero was left at the alter by his fiancee, not sure how long it had been, not very long though. He wasn’t overly heartbroken, moreso embarrassed by the situation.
Neither of them are excessively hung up on their exes, which was nice.
No scenes with OM/OW, no cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2023
¡¡LO QUE AME ESTE LIBRO LPM!!
VIVO POR LOS LIBROS LIBRES DE DRAMA
Yo no puedo explicar lo mucho que disfrute este libro, lit es una comedia romántica con cero drama y solo se enfoca en la parejita enamorarse y ame cada minuto.
Es precioso y súper divertido, es un grumpy x sunshine en dónde ninguno cae mal. Lit es una de las pocas veces donde veo que el personaje grumpy nunca sea malo o mal educado.
Es súper fácil de leer, se leé súper rápido además de ser cortito.
VIVO POR LOS LIBROS LIBRES DE DRAMA
Yo no puedo explicar lo mucho que disfrute este libro, lit es una comedia romántica con cero drama y solo se enfoca en la parejita enamorarse y ame cada minuto.
Es precioso y súper divertido, es un grumpy x sunshine en dónde ninguno cae mal. Lit es una de las pocas veces donde veo que el personaje grumpy nunca sea malo o mal educado.
Es súper fácil de leer, se leé súper rápido además de ser cortito.
July 12, 2023
Just okay
I guess the word I'd use is "underwhelming," because it wasn't bad, but I did find it a little too low stakes and easy. I've enjoyed several books by this author, and they're always quick, bingeable reads, so I was excited to read a true rom com from her, especially one with vacation vibes and a fun setting. And this started off strong - I liked the grumpy/sunshine pairing, the instant tension, and the tropical feel. The heroine is a total sweetheart who is trying to find herself again after ending her only long term relationship, and the hero is a bit of a mystery. We only get the heroine's perspective, so it was fun to try to figure out what was going on with the hero. Once we did, however, I wasn't all that interested. The focus shifted to lots of details about their past relationships and the beach activities, and the fling scenario didn't work for me either. I lost interest somewhere along the way, and I went from bingeing to boredom.
The story follows Eden, a school teacher who has been planning her dream vacation for what feels like forever. It was supposed to be her honeymoon, and Eden decided not to give up the trip just because her relationship imploded before they made it to the altar. Alone in an exotic location with nothing but sunshine and time, Eden meets a handsome stranger. She keeps bumping into Phillip, and they seem to be the only two who are traveling solo - so they decide to pair up for activities. Embarking on her dream vacation with a man she never expected to meet is not quite how Eden pictured the trip, but she has a lot of fun with Phillip. And when the attraction between them kicks up a notch, Eden gives in to the moment. But Phillip was never supposed to be around for Eden's happily ever after, and she's not sure what to do about that.
If you're looking for something light and easy, told exclusively from the (overly sweet) heroine's perspective, then chances are that you'll like this more than I did. I'd say that I was intrigued and emotionally invested for the first third, but then it got a little too easygoing and mild for my personal reading tastes. Eden is the sweetest girl you'll ever meet, and that gave this total light and fluffy vibes. I'm a big fan of rom coms, and this was just too saccharine sweet (and, no, it wasn't a comedy). So the low stakes vibes started to turn me off (as did all the talk of their exes), and I wasn't the biggest fan of the fling situation. Eden and Phillip don't have a ton of chemistry, so that felt out of place to me. I get why it evolved that way, but there needed to be some more oomph there. In the end, this was "fine." Not amazing, not bad, but kinda forgettable.
I guess the word I'd use is "underwhelming," because it wasn't bad, but I did find it a little too low stakes and easy. I've enjoyed several books by this author, and they're always quick, bingeable reads, so I was excited to read a true rom com from her, especially one with vacation vibes and a fun setting. And this started off strong - I liked the grumpy/sunshine pairing, the instant tension, and the tropical feel. The heroine is a total sweetheart who is trying to find herself again after ending her only long term relationship, and the hero is a bit of a mystery. We only get the heroine's perspective, so it was fun to try to figure out what was going on with the hero. Once we did, however, I wasn't all that interested. The focus shifted to lots of details about their past relationships and the beach activities, and the fling scenario didn't work for me either. I lost interest somewhere along the way, and I went from bingeing to boredom.
The story follows Eden, a school teacher who has been planning her dream vacation for what feels like forever. It was supposed to be her honeymoon, and Eden decided not to give up the trip just because her relationship imploded before they made it to the altar. Alone in an exotic location with nothing but sunshine and time, Eden meets a handsome stranger. She keeps bumping into Phillip, and they seem to be the only two who are traveling solo - so they decide to pair up for activities. Embarking on her dream vacation with a man she never expected to meet is not quite how Eden pictured the trip, but she has a lot of fun with Phillip. And when the attraction between them kicks up a notch, Eden gives in to the moment. But Phillip was never supposed to be around for Eden's happily ever after, and she's not sure what to do about that.
If you're looking for something light and easy, told exclusively from the (overly sweet) heroine's perspective, then chances are that you'll like this more than I did. I'd say that I was intrigued and emotionally invested for the first third, but then it got a little too easygoing and mild for my personal reading tastes. Eden is the sweetest girl you'll ever meet, and that gave this total light and fluffy vibes. I'm a big fan of rom coms, and this was just too saccharine sweet (and, no, it wasn't a comedy). So the low stakes vibes started to turn me off (as did all the talk of their exes), and I wasn't the biggest fan of the fling situation. Eden and Phillip don't have a ton of chemistry, so that felt out of place to me. I get why it evolved that way, but there needed to be some more oomph there. In the end, this was "fine." Not amazing, not bad, but kinda forgettable.
July 23, 2024
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolute perfection! I found myself smiling as I was reading this so many times! This story actually made me happy 😃
“You’re the most wonderful thing I never saw coming. I need more of it in my life” - the hero to the heroine.
From the synopsis, we know they meet at this luxurious hotel in Barbados mostly visited by honeymooners. They both go there to lick their separate wounds and try to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise. Not expecting, or even wanting, to strike up an acquaintance with anyone else. This was a slow slow burn romance, and it eventually has very steamy scenes but the sex scenes don’t take over the storyline. The main focus from beginning to end with this story is the falling in love romance.
The hero. He was a rich guy, but unlike so many other billionaire storylines, he’s not overly arrogant, in your face obnoxious, he does not walk around as if he is a sex god… he was a serious guy, yet very relatable and extremely respectful of the heroine and her feelings. Ok, well his very first scene may have been a bit arrogant 😈, but he was never rude.
The sunshine heroine was immediately intrigued by our hero and his behavior at the restaurant that first night. They weren’t initially overly flirty or insta-lust, just both intrigued with each other. When they did banter back and forth, it was a little flirty, yet in a mature, cute way. I found the dialogue to be very fun, witty and believable.
I loved this authors sense of humor, making fun of how romance stories are written …and how the hero questioned, “why would his jaw be tensing so much when he looks at her?” To which the heroine replies, “because it shows he’s secretly pining for her!” And explaining that only romance readers would understand 🤣
I can not wait to read more stories by this author!!!
“You’re the most wonderful thing I never saw coming. I need more of it in my life” - the hero to the heroine.
From the synopsis, we know they meet at this luxurious hotel in Barbados mostly visited by honeymooners. They both go there to lick their separate wounds and try to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise. Not expecting, or even wanting, to strike up an acquaintance with anyone else. This was a slow slow burn romance, and it eventually has very steamy scenes but the sex scenes don’t take over the storyline. The main focus from beginning to end with this story is the falling in love romance.
The hero. He was a rich guy, but unlike so many other billionaire storylines, he’s not overly arrogant, in your face obnoxious, he does not walk around as if he is a sex god… he was a serious guy, yet very relatable and extremely respectful of the heroine and her feelings. Ok, well his very first scene may have been a bit arrogant 😈, but he was never rude.
The sunshine heroine was immediately intrigued by our hero and his behavior at the restaurant that first night. They weren’t initially overly flirty or insta-lust, just both intrigued with each other. When they did banter back and forth, it was a little flirty, yet in a mature, cute way. I found the dialogue to be very fun, witty and believable.
I loved this authors sense of humor, making fun of how romance stories are written …and how the hero questioned, “why would his jaw be tensing so much when he looks at her?” To which the heroine replies, “because it shows he’s secretly pining for her!” And explaining that only romance readers would understand 🤣
I can not wait to read more stories by this author!!!
November 23, 2023
“Eres la cosa más maravillosa que nunca ví venir, y necesito más de eso en mi vida”
🐢🏖️🌊🏝️🦪
(4.5)
Tropes:
❤️ Romance de vacaciones en Barbados
❤️ Strangers to lovers
❤️ Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️ Slow burn
❤️ Un solo punto de vista (ella)
🐢 Me encantó. Diosmio, pasé un MUY buen rato leyendo esta historia. Eden y Phillip me gustaron muchísimo con su romance.
🐢 Llevaba poquito de lectura y ya me estaban cayendo bien los dos protagonistas, las interacciones entre los dos me gustaron y entretuvieron bastante.
🐢 Ese primer encuentro de Eden y Phillip fue amistoso, divertido, un par de desconocidos medio hablando pero su interacción me hizo querer seguir leyendo.
🐢 Todo se fue dando de forma pausada, me gustaron muchísimo los protagonistas, sentí su conexión y me la creí completamente. Me encantan, me encantan, me encantan. Se sentía la tensión sexual en el ambiente entre ellos dos, también.
🐢 Eden y Phillip tan diferentes, pero se encontraron en el momento adecuado porque eran lo que necesitaba el otro. Ella toda alegre, graciosa, amable, es que la amé. Él al principio todo gruñón, concentrado en su trabajo, pero cuando la conoció a ella fue tan lindo. Es que literalmente él le seguía todas las locuras que ella le decía, la complicidad que sentí entre ellos fue fantástica. AMO AMO AMO
🐢 A lo último yo estaba sintiendo una incertidumbre, no sabía cómo la autora iba a resolver la situación entre los protagonistas y su romance. Pero todo se dio de buena forma y el epílogo me encantó.
🐢 Sin lugar a dudas una buena lectura, que recomiendo muchísimo si quieres pasar un rato agradable, divertido y con unos personajes que te atrapan completamente con su complicidad. Una buena comedia romántica
🐢🏖️🌊🏝️🦪
(4.5)
Tropes:
❤️ Romance de vacaciones en Barbados
❤️ Strangers to lovers
❤️ Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️ Slow burn
❤️ Un solo punto de vista (ella)
🐢 Me encantó. Diosmio, pasé un MUY buen rato leyendo esta historia. Eden y Phillip me gustaron muchísimo con su romance.
🐢 Llevaba poquito de lectura y ya me estaban cayendo bien los dos protagonistas, las interacciones entre los dos me gustaron y entretuvieron bastante.
🐢 Ese primer encuentro de Eden y Phillip fue amistoso, divertido, un par de desconocidos medio hablando pero su interacción me hizo querer seguir leyendo.
🐢 Todo se fue dando de forma pausada, me gustaron muchísimo los protagonistas, sentí su conexión y me la creí completamente. Me encantan, me encantan, me encantan. Se sentía la tensión sexual en el ambiente entre ellos dos, también.
🐢 Eden y Phillip tan diferentes, pero se encontraron en el momento adecuado porque eran lo que necesitaba el otro. Ella toda alegre, graciosa, amable, es que la amé. Él al principio todo gruñón, concentrado en su trabajo, pero cuando la conoció a ella fue tan lindo. Es que literalmente él le seguía todas las locuras que ella le decía, la complicidad que sentí entre ellos fue fantástica. AMO AMO AMO
🐢 A lo último yo estaba sintiendo una incertidumbre, no sabía cómo la autora iba a resolver la situación entre los protagonistas y su romance. Pero todo se dio de buena forma y el epílogo me encantó.
🐢 Sin lugar a dudas una buena lectura, que recomiendo muchísimo si quieres pasar un rato agradable, divertido y con unos personajes que te atrapan completamente con su complicidad. Una buena comedia romántica
June 4, 2025
i really liked it!! 🥰 i listened to it on audible and it was nice and cute!
November 28, 2023
3.5 stars! Enjoyable and perfect vacation read.
September 17, 2023
How To Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle 🌺
Eden had planned her dream honeymoon, so when she finds our her fiancé is cheating shortly before the wedding she made the decision to go anyway. So her and her trusty guidebook take off on her tropical honeymoon alone. She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails the whole time. She definitely wasn't expecting to met a handsome stranger who joins her randomly at dinner the first night. Philip is a grumpy workaholic who is also on what was supposed to be his honeymoon alone. They expected to not see each other again after that first night, but as they keep running into each other they decide to do the ternary Philip had planned together. Of course, all that time spent together leads to them to develop feelings for each other, but how will things work when they're no longer their vacation selves?
This was the first book I've read from this author and I cannot wait to read more! Everything about this book was so much fun, the setting, the plot, both of the main characters. I loved seeing Eden and Philip get to know each other while doing all these couple-ish activities. There was even a scene where they went golfing together which made me so happy (I played golf in college).
Their meet cute was hilarious with Philip barging himself into Eden's dinner plans. The first impression of him is that he's a blunt, workaholic that despite being on vacation doesn't know how to disconnect. On the other hand, Eden is the bright kindergarten teacher who wants to make the most of her dream vacation. She even has a guidebook with highlights, tabs, and annotations so she can do everything she wants. Them moving from complete strangers to friends to having feelings for each other over the 2 week period felt very real and not at all insta-lovey or forced. Plus with the added chapters at the end being in the future things wrapped up no nicely.
When will it be my turn to meet a hot guy on vacation?
Tropes:
🤍 strangers to lovers
👥 forced proximity
🐢 vacation romance
🫶🏻 set over a few weeks but not insta-love
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
Eden had planned her dream honeymoon, so when she finds our her fiancé is cheating shortly before the wedding she made the decision to go anyway. So her and her trusty guidebook take off on her tropical honeymoon alone. She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails the whole time. She definitely wasn't expecting to met a handsome stranger who joins her randomly at dinner the first night. Philip is a grumpy workaholic who is also on what was supposed to be his honeymoon alone. They expected to not see each other again after that first night, but as they keep running into each other they decide to do the ternary Philip had planned together. Of course, all that time spent together leads to them to develop feelings for each other, but how will things work when they're no longer their vacation selves?
This was the first book I've read from this author and I cannot wait to read more! Everything about this book was so much fun, the setting, the plot, both of the main characters. I loved seeing Eden and Philip get to know each other while doing all these couple-ish activities. There was even a scene where they went golfing together which made me so happy (I played golf in college).
Their meet cute was hilarious with Philip barging himself into Eden's dinner plans. The first impression of him is that he's a blunt, workaholic that despite being on vacation doesn't know how to disconnect. On the other hand, Eden is the bright kindergarten teacher who wants to make the most of her dream vacation. She even has a guidebook with highlights, tabs, and annotations so she can do everything she wants. Them moving from complete strangers to friends to having feelings for each other over the 2 week period felt very real and not at all insta-lovey or forced. Plus with the added chapters at the end being in the future things wrapped up no nicely.
When will it be my turn to meet a hot guy on vacation?
Tropes:
🤍 strangers to lovers
👥 forced proximity
🐢 vacation romance
🫶🏻 set over a few weeks but not insta-love
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
July 27, 2024
This author did her research and it shows.
I love, love.. ❤️🇧🇧
I love, love.. ❤️🇧🇧
August 4, 2023
this book is a like 3.5 i would say!! i did like this book and i did completely devour it really quickly and in one sitting (hence the no updates lol) i was just kinda looking for a quick and easy read and this definitely gave it to me, but like this book definitely wasn’t like i was giggling twirling my hair kicking my feet kinda book, and phil was just average yk buut i did like the honeymoon alone idea?? not sure how to explain it lol but if ur looking for a quick (kinda spicy) romance i would recommend
June 15, 2023
I really, really enjoyed this strangers to lovers vacation romance that sees two newly single people - teacher and aspiring writer Eden and lawyer Philip - falling for one another as they're each on their meant to be Barbados honeymoons.
A slow-burn, swoony romance full of all the feels and some great spice, this is perfect for fans of books like The unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren or For vacation only by Mila Nicks. I also REALLY enjoyed the audio narration by Meg Price - a new to me narrator who really brought Eden and Philip to life!
Plus who can resist this GORGEOUS cover design by my fav Leni Kauffman?? I'm excited to read more by indie author Olivia Hayle!! She is one to watch for sure!
A slow-burn, swoony romance full of all the feels and some great spice, this is perfect for fans of books like The unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren or For vacation only by Mila Nicks. I also REALLY enjoyed the audio narration by Meg Price - a new to me narrator who really brought Eden and Philip to life!
Plus who can resist this GORGEOUS cover design by my fav Leni Kauffman?? I'm excited to read more by indie author Olivia Hayle!! She is one to watch for sure!
June 17, 2024
This was really cute. It was giving the unhoneymooners vibes and I love it.
September 5, 2023
so so good!!! literally just so well written and i was so invested the entire time. the perfect read for a sunny day!!! this was honestly just so perfect and the relationship between the characters was so natural and well developed. i needed this!!!!
May 12, 2024
~3.75🎀~
They were precious
They were precious
January 9, 2025
4,5⭐️
Una rom-com davvero carina che mi è piaciuta tantissimo!🌴
Ho trovato questo libro super scorrevole con una storia molto romantica e, allo stesso tempo, divertente.🌴
Qui troviamo la trope del "Grumpy x sunshine", con Eden che è una ragazza espansiva e divertente, che si ritrova a fare una vacanza di luna di miele, alle Barbados, da sola visto che è stata tradita dal suo ex; durante le sue vacanze conoscerà Philip, completamente opposto a lei, in quanto è più "rigido" e introverso, che si trova lì per una situazione analoga alla sua, e cominceranno poco a poco a conoscersi, a diventare amici...e successivamente qualcosa di più.🌴
Quello che ho apprezzato più sono state le battute che si facevano i protagonisti, a vicenda, rendendo tutta la lettura leggera e divertente.🌴
Alla fine mi sento dare le 4,5⭐️ e non 5, perché anche se il romanzo l'ho trovato adorabile, mi sarebbe piaciuto molto di più se ci fosse stato anche il POV di Phillip, però nonostante tutto, lo consiglio assolutamente!🌴
Una rom-com davvero carina che mi è piaciuta tantissimo!🌴
Ho trovato questo libro super scorrevole con una storia molto romantica e, allo stesso tempo, divertente.🌴
Qui troviamo la trope del "Grumpy x sunshine", con Eden che è una ragazza espansiva e divertente, che si ritrova a fare una vacanza di luna di miele, alle Barbados, da sola visto che è stata tradita dal suo ex; durante le sue vacanze conoscerà Philip, completamente opposto a lei, in quanto è più "rigido" e introverso, che si trova lì per una situazione analoga alla sua, e cominceranno poco a poco a conoscersi, a diventare amici...e successivamente qualcosa di più.🌴
Quello che ho apprezzato più sono state le battute che si facevano i protagonisti, a vicenda, rendendo tutta la lettura leggera e divertente.🌴
Alla fine mi sento dare le 4,5⭐️ e non 5, perché anche se il romanzo l'ho trovato adorabile, mi sarebbe piaciuto molto di più se ci fosse stato anche il POV di Phillip, però nonostante tutto, lo consiglio assolutamente!🌴
July 11, 2024
🤍for a more in depth review, watch my monthly wrap up🤍
https://youtu.be/GlWO3gz0AIc?si=kqFS-...
🤍rating🤍
overall rating: 4/5⭐️s
Perfect summer, beachy, vacation vibes!
🤍quotes🤍
•”Getting attached wasn’t part of the deal. Not the one I made with him, and definitely not the one I made with myself.” (263)
•”You’re the most wonderful thing I never saw coming. I need more of it in my life.” (298)
•”It feels like coming home and going on vacation, the best of both worlds.” (298)
https://youtu.be/GlWO3gz0AIc?si=kqFS-...
🤍rating🤍
overall rating: 4/5⭐️s
Perfect summer, beachy, vacation vibes!
🤍quotes🤍
•”Getting attached wasn’t part of the deal. Not the one I made with him, and definitely not the one I made with myself.” (263)
•”You’re the most wonderful thing I never saw coming. I need more of it in my life.” (298)
•”It feels like coming home and going on vacation, the best of both worlds.” (298)
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