Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

"The Heartbreak Hotel" by Ellen O’Clover is the kind of book that sneaks up on you—what starts as a sweet, slow-burn romance turns into something deeper, a story about healing, second chances, and the messy beauty of human connection.

Louisa Walsh is still picking up the pieces after a bad breakup when she gets the chance to stay in the one place that’s ever felt like home—but there’s a catch. Her gruff, emotionally closed-off landlord, Henry Rhodes (who also happens to be a veterinarian with his own scars), agrees to let her live there only if she helps turn the house into a bed-and-breakfast. As they work side by side, their walls start to come down, and what unfolds is a romance that feels real—full of quiet longing, sharp banter, and those small, vulnerable moments that change everything.

What I loved most was how the story balanced romance with deeper themes. Yes, the chemistry between Louisa and Henry is fantastic (slow burns forever!), but the book also shines when it explores grief, self-doubt, and the way life can surprise you when you least expect it. The supporting cast—guests at the B&B, friends, and even a delightfully meddling neighbor—add warmth and humor, making the cozy Colorado mountain setting feel even more alive.

If I had one tiny critique, it’s that the story leans a bit more toward women’s fiction than pure romance (Henry’s POV is limited, and the emotional journey sometimes outweighs the swoon). But that’s also what makes it stand out—it’s a love story, yes, but also a story about finding yourself after loss.

Final thoughts? Heartfelt, immersive, and full of quiet magic. I’d give it a solid 3.5, rounded up to 4 for the way it stuck with me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the early copy! All opinions are my own.