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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! 📚✨
Stranded In Chianti: A Spicy Italian Romantic Comedy Novel
Author: Sierra Maxwell
Stranded in Chianti was such a fun and entertaining read, and absolutely a page-turner.
I was lucky enough to read the novella version over the summer, which I really enjoyed, so I was curious to see how the expanded version would build on it. I was delighted when Sierra Maxwell asked if I’d like an early copy. Having now read both, I can say with confidence that the character development and plot arcs are even stronger here. The added depth gives the story more room to breathe without losing any of its charm.
This novel strikes a great balance between romance, humor, and slow-burn tension, all set against the peaceful backdrop of Chianti, Italy. I loved how the setting wasn’t just background but part of the story’s mood: golden hills, rustic vineyards, and the quiet rhythm of small-town life. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the main characters, Evie and Luca. Evie’s energy and unpredictability might feel like “a lot” for some readers, but I found her hilarious—she’s the kind of person who lights up a room. Luca, on the other hand, values peace, quiet, and routine, yet comes to realize that grumpiness and predictability aren’t enough if he wants real happiness. Watching both of them grow into versions of themselves that made space for love felt very satisfying.
The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars is that in some instances, the “comfortable silences” between Evie and Luca—where neither says out loud what we all know they’re feeling—stretched a little long for me. I would have liked them to reach the “we like each other” stage just a touch sooner. That said, the way things unfolded still felt true to who they are as characters.
Overall, Stranded in Chianti is a witty, heartfelt romance full of humor, atmosphere, and just the right amount of steam. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to pack your bags for Italy, pour a glass of wine, and stay up late turning the pages. Highly recommended for readers who love slow-burn romance with charm and personality.
Note: While I initially received an advance copy, I ended up buying the released version and reading most of it that way. For this reason, I’m not marking this as an ARC review.
Stranded in Chianti was such a fun and entertaining read, and absolutely a page-turner.
I was lucky enough to read the novella version over the summer, which I really enjoyed, so I was curious to see how the expanded version would build on it. I was delighted when Sierra Maxwell asked if I’d like an early copy. Having now read both, I can say with confidence that the character development and plot arcs are even stronger here. The added depth gives the story more room to breathe without losing any of its charm.
This novel strikes a great balance between romance, humor, and slow-burn tension, all set against the peaceful backdrop of Chianti, Italy. I loved how the setting wasn’t just background but part of the story’s mood: golden hills, rustic vineyards, and the quiet rhythm of small-town life. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the main characters, Evie and Luca. Evie’s energy and unpredictability might feel like “a lot” for some readers, but I found her hilarious—she’s the kind of person who lights up a room. Luca, on the other hand, values peace, quiet, and routine, yet comes to realize that grumpiness and predictability aren’t enough if he wants real happiness. Watching both of them grow into versions of themselves that made space for love felt very satisfying.
The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars is that in some instances, the “comfortable silences” between Evie and Luca—where neither says out loud what we all know they’re feeling—stretched a little long for me. I would have liked them to reach the “we like each other” stage just a touch sooner. That said, the way things unfolded still felt true to who they are as characters.
Overall, Stranded in Chianti is a witty, heartfelt romance full of humor, atmosphere, and just the right amount of steam. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to pack your bags for Italy, pour a glass of wine, and stay up late turning the pages. Highly recommended for readers who love slow-burn romance with charm and personality.
Note: While I initially received an advance copy, I ended up buying the released version and reading most of it that way. For this reason, I’m not marking this as an ARC review.
Butcher & Blackbird
Author: Brynne Weaver - Spoiler-Free Review 🙂
⚠️ Please review content warnings before reading this book.
Where do I even start? This book was absolutely EVERYTHING and more. It has banter, witty interactions, steamy moments, and bloody parts — all balanced perfectly (in my opinion). Not only is the book incredible, but reading it alongside two of my book besties made the experience even better 🤗
Sloane — a serial killer known as The Orb Weaver — and Rowan — also a notorious serial killer — meet early in the story, and their connection is immediate. Throughout the book, we follow their relationship as it evolves: beginning with an annual high-stakes competition and slowly turning into something deeper. Along the way, we get bits of backstory sprinkled throughout, enough to deepen our understanding of both characters and what shaped them.
Sloane and Rowan’s interactions are hilarious, teasing, and at times… spicy 🌶️. There are explicit, steamy scenes — and I was completely here for it. They’re perfect together, with distinct voices and personalities that make it impossible not to root for them. We also meet Lark, Sloane’s best friend (an absolute standout!), and Rowan’s brothers, Lachlan and Fionn, who complement Rowan and add richness to the story.
📚 Tropes & Vibes:
🩸 Dark Romance / Dark Humor
🎯 Serial Killer Main Characters
😏 Banter + Witty Interactions
🌶️ Spicy / Explicit Scenes
🫀 Enemies-to-Lovers Vibes with a Twist
🤝 Slow-Build Connection
🌟 Fantastic Side Characters
I would give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and more!) if I could. This was my first dark romance book and I couldn’t be happier ❤️
⚠️ Please review content warnings before reading this book.
Where do I even start? This book was absolutely EVERYTHING and more. It has banter, witty interactions, steamy moments, and bloody parts — all balanced perfectly (in my opinion). Not only is the book incredible, but reading it alongside two of my book besties made the experience even better 🤗
Sloane — a serial killer known as The Orb Weaver — and Rowan — also a notorious serial killer — meet early in the story, and their connection is immediate. Throughout the book, we follow their relationship as it evolves: beginning with an annual high-stakes competition and slowly turning into something deeper. Along the way, we get bits of backstory sprinkled throughout, enough to deepen our understanding of both characters and what shaped them.
Sloane and Rowan’s interactions are hilarious, teasing, and at times… spicy 🌶️. There are explicit, steamy scenes — and I was completely here for it. They’re perfect together, with distinct voices and personalities that make it impossible not to root for them. We also meet Lark, Sloane’s best friend (an absolute standout!), and Rowan’s brothers, Lachlan and Fionn, who complement Rowan and add richness to the story.
📚 Tropes & Vibes:
🩸 Dark Romance / Dark Humor
🎯 Serial Killer Main Characters
😏 Banter + Witty Interactions
🌶️ Spicy / Explicit Scenes
🫀 Enemies-to-Lovers Vibes with a Twist
🤝 Slow-Build Connection
🌟 Fantastic Side Characters
I would give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and more!) if I could. This was my first dark romance book and I couldn’t be happier ❤️
Love & Gelato
Author: Jenna Evans Welch - ⚠️ 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.
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