Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

What Happens in Paradise is book #2 in the love hotel series but my first time reading this series and from this author. This book can be read without reading the first one as it is an interconnected standalone.

This was a quick read but a fast paced spicy age gap (FMC older), work place forbidden romance in beautiful tropical locales. Being someone reading this in winter in a snowy climate it made me want to book a flight to the islands off Spain and\or Jamaica where majority of this novel takes place.

The slow burn, tension was wonderful. Also where are guys like Alejandro??!!!??? Need him in my life. Can’t wait to read more from Olivia Spring.

What Happens In Paradise by Olivia Strong is a delightful romantic comedy that's set against the backdrop of a luxurious Spanish hotel and the sun-soaked beaches of Jamaica between"Love Alchemist" (another name for guest relations manager) Jasmine and Alejandro, her charming and handsome sous chef co-worker. Despite their mutual attraction, Jasmine and Alejandro face a significant obstacle: the hotel's strict policy forbidding inter-staff relationships.

But when they find themselves traveling to Jamaica together on a work trip, the forced proximity and the tropical setting make it increasingly difficult to resist their feelings. Now they're faced with a major problem: will they risk their careers for a chance at love?

I would have given this a higher rating except that so many of the sentences. were. too. short. It felt like I was reading a high school essay at times. But overall, the combination of the setting and some fun side characters like their Jamaican driver Bob makes this romance the ideal escape for romance lovers.

An age gap romance, the story of Jasmine and Alejandro. They work together and each have their own reasons for not dating,but will two weeks away confidante things? I loved the setting and how it was told from both points of view.

This was a sweet, romantic read. Alejandro is swoon-worthy and the setting and characters in Jamaica really made this book for me.

What Happens in Paradise by Olivia Spring was a light, fun read with an engaging romance and a gorgeous island setting. The story follows Zara, a career-driven woman who finds herself unexpectedly single and takes a much-needed trip to a tropical paradise. What was meant to be a solo getaway quickly turns into something more when she meets Noah, a charming and mysterious stranger. Their chemistry is instant, but with secrets lingering between them, Zara has to decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love again.

I enjoyed the blend of romance, self-discovery, and escapism. The setting was beautifully described, making me feel like I was right there on the beach. Zara’s journey was relatable, and while some parts were predictable, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment. The tension between Zara and Noah kept things interesting, and I appreciated the balance of emotional depth with lighthearted moments.

Overall, it was a great escapist read—perfect for when you want a feel-good romance with a dreamy setting.

This was my first book by this author which means I didn't read the first in this series but i still loved it!! I love a forbidden romance and the tension leading up to the spice was so worth it. I loved the fake dating twist this story had and the whole "love hotel" concept.

This was another strong entry in this series, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall romance element to this book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the way this was told. Olivia Spring wrote this perfectly and was glad I got to read this.

If you’re looking for a beach read to get you in the mood for sun, sand, and sizzling romance, I’ve got just the thing for you. Jasmine and Alejandro enjoy beautiful Jamaican cuisine and scenery while exploring their forbidden attraction to each other.

The chemistry between the two protagonists is strong.  It is refreshing to see how they discovered they had so much in common, even with their reverse age gap and ethnic differences. That said, I missed out on that delicious tension we all love because they were all nervous about the big boss finding out.

I think I would have enjoyed seeing the characters develop that admiration and attraction gradually in the workplace. It would’ve added so much depth to their romance! Instead, we kind of just jumped straight into the feels.

What really took the cake (or should I say the jerk chicken?) were the mouthwatering descriptions of food throughout the story. Seriously, I could almost smell the spices wafting off the pages! It was like a mini vacation to Jamaica with every bite they described.

Overall, I enjoyed What Happens in Paradise for its cuteness and picturesque settings but couldn’t help but wish for a little more substance. If you’re into sweet stories that make you smile, this one is right up your alley.

Thank you to Ms. Spring for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Thank you Netgalley for this advance reader copy of this cute little romance book! This is book two in a serious. It was super cute. Loved the characters connections. Loved the atmosphere of this book. It did read a bit slow for me and took me a little longer than it should to get it done. But over all, a great summer read. Perfect to take on vacation this summer!

This was a cute read but a little difficult to follow. The characters had a good connection and the ending was good but I wouldn't say this is her best book. Still will recommend though

This book is actually book two from ‘The Love Hotel’ series but can very easily be read as a stand alone but does contain a few recurring characters and continuing storyline. And to be quite honest they are such amazing books why wouldn’t you want to read them all!!

Right from the very first page i was absolutely cackling with laughter and i knew instantly that this book was going to pull me in and swallow me up whole!

Even at the very beginning of the story i was intrigued and couldn’t wait to find out what Jasmine’s back story was - i just needed to know all about her!!

This book is set in London, Spain and Jamaica and through Olivia’s wonderful writing style, i honestly felt as though i was there and i could imagine all these amazing places.

Alejandro was not only very swoonworthy but was extremely funny too. He was hilarious when he kept getting confused over different words and phrases!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really enjoyed being immersed in all its heartwarming goodness.

It was funny and romantic and hot and spicy and sensitive and full of the most amazing sounding food!

What Happens In Paradise contains some of my most favourite tropes - age-gap, only one bed, workplace relationship and each of them was written perfectly.

This was an absolutely wonderful, sizzling read and perfect for a spot of armchair travel too…….

The first thing I had to note down before I even finished the book, so I remembered, was LUCY PEARL! What a band! When this came up, it gave me all the feels and reminded me of a time in my past, and since then, I have played the album on repeat!

Anyway, the book! Oh, I love this series, and I hope we have more to come, too. It really is romantic and breathtaking, and why can't there be something like this in the world? It is such a happy and feel-good thing to do and have, and the sizzle! I've been dying for this book ever since I read The One That Got Away, and we were given that cliffhanger!! It was most definitely worth the wait! I love Jasmine!

I had to listen to the audiobook as Chloë Sommer is amazing and she gave Jasmine life! So much life! I could imagine some of those scenes might have been fun to record 😉

Just a wonderful time in Jamaica and I loved Bob! He made every page he was on, so much fun and he made me smile. He was just an absolute delight - is there a book about him in the works?

So many tropes, obstacles and morning/afternoon/evening delights. Jasmine is one lucky lady. But I cared about both these characters as they step into uncharted territories. It was beautiful to watch this love blossom and to feel a part of their story.

Can we have more?

What Happens in Paradise was a quick fun forbidden reverse age gap romance. Jasmine and Alejandro work together and do there best to fight their attraction. Spicy banter and amazing locations make this the perfect beach read or book on a cold winter's day. This is my first book by Olivia Spring and it won't be the last. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy. This is my honest review.

This is the 2nd in a a series but can be read as a standalone (which I did) It takes place in Jamaica and is Dual POV (I'm a sucker for dual POV). You are captivated by the storyline, a forbidden workplace romance. and you will be left wanting to visit Jamaica.

I enjoyed this book. Jasmine and Alejandro work together at Love Hotel. They are both attracted to each other but there is a strict rule within the hotel that employees are forbidden to date. Jasmin and Alejandro get selected to go help open a new Love hotel in Jamaica for 2 weeks. Their attraction starts to grow as they spend more time together and they are finding it hard to not act on their feelings. They go do excursions together and try out restaurants. They try to hide their attraction for each other but it becomes impossible and they decide to have a fling while there....what could possibly go wrong? This is an reverse age gap romance. Overall, I thought it was a quick cute read with some spice and would definitely read more in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC of this book.

Jasmine and Alejandro are sent from Spain to Jamica to open a new hotel. Jasmine develops feelings for Alejandro. sweet read.

What Happens in Paradise by Olivia Spring is a charming and heartwarming holiday romance that expertly combines forbidden love, self-discovery, and the festive spirit. The story revolves around Jasmine, the hotel’s dedicated guest manager and talented “Love Alchemist,” known for her perfect matchmaking skills. However, workplace romance is strictly forbidden, and Jasmine finds herself struggling to resist her growing attraction to Alejandro, the alluring and skilled sous-chef.

In an attempt to distance herself from Alejandro and maintain professionalism, Jasmine agrees to open a new hotel branch in Jamaica. But her plan backfires when Alejandro is also sent to Jamaica for two weeks. The sultry tropical setting, professional secrecy, and undeniable chemistry between them create the perfect backdrop for a romance full of tension, passion, and tenderness.

Jasmine is a determined and passionate protagonist, deeply committed to her work and the happiness of her guests. Alejandro, equally charming and accomplished, shares a natural connection with Jasmine that feels genuine and engaging. Their relationship is developed with a mix of tenderness and realism, allowing readers to become deeply invested in their lives and emotions.

Olivia Spring’s narrative is vivid and immersive, with detailed descriptions that transport readers to the beautifully decorated holiday setting. Her smooth writing style draws readers in, balancing romance and suspense to create an engaging and enjoyable reading experience. The story’s themes—love against the odds, self-discovery, and the transformative power of romance—are handled with care and depth, making this novel both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Spring uses multi-perspective storytelling and flashbacks to reveal the characters’ backgrounds and motivations, enriching the narrative with emotional layers. The dialogue is natural and insightful, effectively conveying character dynamics and relationships. The pacing is well-balanced, transitioning smoothly between slower, introspective moments and faster, action-driven scenes.

What Happens in Paradise is an ideal holiday read for fans of contemporary romance, offering a lively and heartwarming story that celebrates love, community, and the festive season. With its unforgettable characters, compelling narrative, and enchanting holiday atmosphere, this book is a delightful addition to the holiday romance genre—perfect for curling up with during the Christmas season. It’s a story that will leave readers thinking long after the final page and is sure to become a cherished favorite among romance lovers.

4.6 stars 🤩

A Passionate Escape to Paradise

The latest release in the Love Hotel series delivers a sizzling forbidden romance set in a luxurious resort. Jasmine, a dedicated matchmaker, follows strict workplace rules—until her undeniable attraction to sous-chef Alejandro complicates everything. When they are sent to open a new hotel in Jamaica, resisting temptation becomes impossible. A secret fling seems like the perfect solution, but emotions soon blur the lines between passion and love.

With engaging tropes like forced proximity, age gap, and “only one bed,” this novel masterfully blends tension, desire, and emotional depth. The vivid setting enhances the escapist charm, making it a compelling read for romance fans.

Go for it & feel yourself in heaven (& in arms of Alejandro) 💓

This is a spicy romance written in dual POV.

Jasmine and Alejandro are sent on a work trip from Spain to Jamaica to help with the opening of the newest Love hotel. Even as jasmine tries to stay professional and keep her feeling in check, the universe has other plans and each date/ adventure had her lowering her guard and eventually learning what is important to her.

Olivia does a good job writing as she made me want to book a trip to Jamaica and try the cuisine and have bob as my driver.

I now want to go back and read the first story in the series

Thank you Boldwood publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

This book was a sweet love story and I loved the spice. I look forward to reading more by this author.