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Bella Heartwood Romance Book Reviews
💌 Bookish thoughts, cozy vibes, and honest feelings — all in one place. I review romance books, from sweet to steamy (and all the messy feelings in between!). I hope my reviews help you discover your next favorite read! 📚✨
Love & Gelato
⚠️ Possible minor spoilers
This book was wholesome, fun, and full of everything I love about Italy. As of now, it’s my favorite book by far ❤️
Lina, a 16-year-old, has her life turned upside down when her mom passes away. Her mom’s dying wish is for Lina to move to Italy for the summer to live with her dad — a dad who had never once been mentioned in her life. Convinced by her grandmother, and determined to honor her mom’s wish, Lina heads to Tuscany to live with Howard.
While there, Lina meets Ren, and they instantly click. They both feel comfortable around each other and free to be themselves. Their summer quickly fills with adventure after Sonia, who once knew Lina’s mom, gives Lina her mother’s old journal that had been kept at the cemetery where Howard works. Following the journal’s entries, Lina and Ren visit the places her mom had explored years earlier. Along the way, Lina uncovers pieces of her mom’s past, her own story, and develops a deepening bond with Ren — and also begins forming a heartfelt, father-daughter connection with Howard.
Love & Gelato is a lovable and memorable story — exciting and fun, yet bittersweet at times as it explores Lina’s grief and her journey of self-discovery. The setting is beautiful, bringing Florence and Tuscany to life through words and imagination. Every character felt purposeful and well-written.
Each story I read impacts me as a reader, but Love & Gelato goes beyond that. It’s a book that will stay with me forever. I loved it so much! 🥹❤️
Recommended for fans of heartfelt teen stories, travel romances, and anyone who loves books set in Italy.
This book was wholesome, fun, and full of everything I love about Italy. As of now, it’s my favorite book by far ❤️
Lina, a 16-year-old, has her life turned upside down when her mom passes away. Her mom’s dying wish is for Lina to move to Italy for the summer to live with her dad — a dad who had never once been mentioned in her life. Convinced by her grandmother, and determined to honor her mom’s wish, Lina heads to Tuscany to live with Howard.
While there, Lina meets Ren, and they instantly click. They both feel comfortable around each other and free to be themselves. Their summer quickly fills with adventure after Sonia, who once knew Lina’s mom, gives Lina her mother’s old journal that had been kept at the cemetery where Howard works. Following the journal’s entries, Lina and Ren visit the places her mom had explored years earlier. Along the way, Lina uncovers pieces of her mom’s past, her own story, and develops a deepening bond with Ren — and also begins forming a heartfelt, father-daughter connection with Howard.
Love & Gelato is a lovable and memorable story — exciting and fun, yet bittersweet at times as it explores Lina’s grief and her journey of self-discovery. The setting is beautiful, bringing Florence and Tuscany to life through words and imagination. Every character felt purposeful and well-written.
Each story I read impacts me as a reader, but Love & Gelato goes beyond that. It’s a book that will stay with me forever. I loved it so much! 🥹❤️
Recommended for fans of heartfelt teen stories, travel romances, and anyone who loves books set in Italy.
When in Rome
Author: Sarah Adams
Amelia Rose — better known as pop star Rae Rose — finds herself at a low point and decides she needs a break. Inspired by her love of Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday, she heads to Rome … Kentucky. Fate intervenes when her car breaks down in front of Noah’s house. Despite his initial reluctance, Noah agrees to let Amelia stay while her car is being repaired. Both carry fears and traumas from their past, and their time together in the small, cozy town helps them discover an unexpected connection.
Of course, how could a small-town pie shop owner and a world-famous pop star possibly make a romantic relationship work? When in Rome does a wonderful job navigating Noah and Amelia’s journey — from strangers and reluctant housemates to friends to something more (no spoilers here!). Their interactions are fun, honest, and flirty, and they develop a unique bond where they can truly be vulnerable with each other.
I really liked both Noah and Amelia’s characters. Their growth felt authentic and noticeable, and I especially enjoyed their chemistry and evolving connection. The secondary characters also shine, playing key roles in helping Noah and Amelia imagine what they could be if they let themselves.
The story flows nicely and has a good pace overall, but I sometimes wished they’d “go for it” sooner — that’s the main reason I rated this four stars instead of five. While the plot is somewhat predictable, I didn’t mind that at all; the charm lies in how the story unfolds.
I definitely recommend When in Rome to anyone who enjoys small-town romance with heart and humor — and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series, Practice Makes Perfect.
Amelia Rose — better known as pop star Rae Rose — finds herself at a low point and decides she needs a break. Inspired by her love of Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday, she heads to Rome … Kentucky. Fate intervenes when her car breaks down in front of Noah’s house. Despite his initial reluctance, Noah agrees to let Amelia stay while her car is being repaired. Both carry fears and traumas from their past, and their time together in the small, cozy town helps them discover an unexpected connection.
Of course, how could a small-town pie shop owner and a world-famous pop star possibly make a romantic relationship work? When in Rome does a wonderful job navigating Noah and Amelia’s journey — from strangers and reluctant housemates to friends to something more (no spoilers here!). Their interactions are fun, honest, and flirty, and they develop a unique bond where they can truly be vulnerable with each other.
I really liked both Noah and Amelia’s characters. Their growth felt authentic and noticeable, and I especially enjoyed their chemistry and evolving connection. The secondary characters also shine, playing key roles in helping Noah and Amelia imagine what they could be if they let themselves.
The story flows nicely and has a good pace overall, but I sometimes wished they’d “go for it” sooner — that’s the main reason I rated this four stars instead of five. While the plot is somewhat predictable, I didn’t mind that at all; the charm lies in how the story unfolds.
I definitely recommend When in Rome to anyone who enjoys small-town romance with heart and humor — and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series, Practice Makes Perfect.
Sand Dollars, Secrets, & Starting Over
Author: Bailey Thomas
ARC Review — spoiler-free 💌
A sweet and wholesome story with a beautiful message about allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, brave, and open to new opportunities when they come. ☺️
After going through a sad and stressful time in her personal and love life, Ram realizes she needs a fresh start. With the help of her wonderful friend Laney, she finds herself in Destiny, Florida. There, she not only gets the new beginning she’s been longing for, but also meets Brock. The two quickly become important to each other, though their pasts make them hesitant to embrace the possibility of something more, but destiny has other plans for them. ❤️🙂
Tropes:
📖 Flawed Hero
📖 Small Town Charm
📖 Landscape Artist
📖 Amateur Florist
📖 Recovering from Loss
📖 New Girl in Town
📖 Found Family
📖 Running from the Past
I loved this story and I highly recommend it for all romance lovers out there ✨😚 I liked it so much that I already purchased the paperback copy. 🩷
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ARC Review — spoiler-free 💌
A sweet and wholesome story with a beautiful message about allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, brave, and open to new opportunities when they come. ☺️
After going through a sad and stressful time in her personal and love life, Ram realizes she needs a fresh start. With the help of her wonderful friend Laney, she finds herself in Destiny, Florida. There, she not only gets the new beginning she’s been longing for, but also meets Brock. The two quickly become important to each other, though their pasts make them hesitant to embrace the possibility of something more, but destiny has other plans for them. ❤️🙂
Tropes:
📖 Flawed Hero
📖 Small Town Charm
📖 Landscape Artist
📖 Amateur Florist
📖 Recovering from Loss
📖 New Girl in Town
📖 Found Family
📖 Running from the Past
I loved this story and I highly recommend it for all romance lovers out there ✨😚 I liked it so much that I already purchased the paperback copy. 🩷
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Summer in the City
Author: Alex Aster
Summer in the City was such a fun surprise. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers setup, but with emotional depth, witty banter, and a cast of imperfect but lovable characters. I was smiling and fully hooked from beginning to end. Elle and Parker’s dynamic had me rooting for them the whole way, and I loved how the story balanced romance with personal growth.
The New York City backdrop adds charm, but what really stood out to me were the characters and how real they felt. This was a feel-good, engaging read—and exactly what I needed.
Summer in the City was such a fun surprise. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers setup, but with emotional depth, witty banter, and a cast of imperfect but lovable characters. I was smiling and fully hooked from beginning to end. Elle and Parker’s dynamic had me rooting for them the whole way, and I loved how the story balanced romance with personal growth.
The New York City backdrop adds charm, but what really stood out to me were the characters and how real they felt. This was a feel-good, engaging read—and exactly what I needed.
Problematic Summer Romance
Author: Ali Hazelwood
This is the first book I’ve read by Ali Hazelwood and… I’m in awe. Her writing is so immersive — from the witty banter to the rich setting, every page pulled me in. I laughed out loud, swooned hard, and watched the characters grow in such real, touching ways.
The plot? Smart.
The humor? On point.
The ending? CHEF’S KISS 💋
I’m officially obsessed. This is a 1000/10 read for me, and I’m sad-happy that it’s over. 🥲 At this point, Ali Hazelwood might just be my new favorite author. 🤗✨
This is the first book I’ve read by Ali Hazelwood and… I’m in awe. Her writing is so immersive — from the witty banter to the rich setting, every page pulled me in. I laughed out loud, swooned hard, and watched the characters grow in such real, touching ways.
The plot? Smart.
The humor? On point.
The ending? CHEF’S KISS 💋
I’m officially obsessed. This is a 1000/10 read for me, and I’m sad-happy that it’s over. 🥲 At this point, Ali Hazelwood might just be my new favorite author. 🤗✨
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