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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! 📚✨
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.
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