Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow in exchange for a honest review.This is a feel good romance about a girl name Ruby told in 2 time frames- the past when Ruby is in relationship with Jonathan who is needy, narcissistic and controlling. He uses Ruby both emotionally and financially. and the present-as Ruby as she to work at her aunt’s restaurant, Greek Secret, on the island of Corfu.While in Corfu she meets her aunt’s stepson Yianni who is 4 years younger than Ruby and is in love with her. .It is apparent that Ruby is no longer with Jonathan and the reason is slowly revealed.A great story of finding love when you least expect it and learning to forgive yourself and start anew.

Title: Greek Secret
Author: Francesca Catlow
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: When Ruby arrives in Corfu, Greece to work at her aunt and step-uncle's restaurant, Greek Secret she hopes she will be able to let go of our past and learn enough so she can fulfill her lifelong dream of opening up her own restaurant. Not long after arriving, she meets Yianni (her aunt's stepson. She notices an immediate attraction to him, but can she let go of her past, so she can give a new relationship a chance? This was a sweet romance, that made me feel like I was living in Greece. When I first started reading this book, I was unsure if I would like this, but very soon into it, I began to love the characters and storyline. This story is not just a romance. The story explores learning to forgive ourselves and letting go of the past. Highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC of this beautiful story.

Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow is an escape to the heart of Greece. The author masterfully captures the beauty and charm of Greek life, making me feel like I was walking through its sun-drenched streets, hearing the hum of everyday life, and tasting its vibrant cuisine.

The story is rich with emotion, drawing me into the characters' personal journeys. Francesca Catlow's writing style is both engaging and evocative, making it easy to connect with the protagonist's joys and struggles. I loved how themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience were interwoven into a narrative that felt authentic and heartfelt.

As someone who appreciates stories that transport me, Greek Secret delivered on every level. The balance between light-hearted moments and deeper reflections kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a perfect read for anyone who enjoys romance, culture, and a touch of mystery.

Ruby is in a relationship with would'-be actor Jonathan. Ruby has dreams of owning her own restaurant but Jonathan has other ideas.
The book, although fictional describes what's it like to be in a relationship where you are not good enough, you're down trodden whilst the significant other commands the spotlight.
Ruby goes to visit her family in Corfu. Will be help Ruby to find herself and regain her confidence?

“Greek Secret” is by Francesca Catlow. This is a romance book - but also a book about self healing. The main character is the island of Corfu - seriously, it is. Ms. Catlow does a wonderful job describing the island in great detail. As for human characters, there’s Ruby (niece of Hazel, who is part-owner of a restaurant) and Yanni, Hazel’s step-son (so no blood relation to Ruby). Ruby and Yanni are both flawed characters, which makes them more real, which I appreciated. What I didn’t like as much was that the beginning of the book is a lot of set-up, but once through those chapters, the book picked up in a nice manner. Overall, for a quick read, with a lovely setting, this book was enjoyable.

I liked the story 💙 but beware, it's long 😅😭 the slow burn and frustration AAAAH 😂😭 I'm glad that they work on trying to get over their past, and I'm glad that they found each other and are happy together at the end, and I liked the few chapters about the past to let us see the glimpses of it. Overall, would recommend reading it 👍🏻

Francesca Catlow whisks readers away to the sparkling shores of Corfu in *Greek Secret*, a romance that blends heartache, healing, and a touch of Mediterranean magic.

Ruby arrives in Corfu hoping for a fresh start, but between the irresistible charm of Yianni and the weight of her past, she quickly realizes that escaping isn’t the same as healing. The setting is pure wanderlust fuel—golden beaches, cozy tavernas, and the kind of summer air that makes you believe in second chances.

What I loved:
✨ The chemistry between Ruby and Yianni crackles like a seaside bonfire—slow-burning but impossible to ignore.
✨ Catlow’s writing makes Corfu feel like a character in itself, wrapping you in its warmth and beauty.
✨ The emotional depth adds layers to the romance, making it more than just a holiday fling.

Why it’s 4 stars instead of 5? The pacing occasionally meanders, and Ruby’s inner turmoil could have been explored a bit more deeply. But honestly? This book is a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon with a cup of iced coffee and dreams of Greek sunsets.

If you love romance with a side of self-discovery and a setting that feels like a vacation, *Greek Secret* is a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I ended up DNFing this book. I couldn’t get my head around it. I think the main thing that put me off is that Ruby’s potential love interest was her step cousin… and I couldn’t get past that. It also felt really jumpy and rushed.

Ruby’s story is filled with secrets and scars. we first meet Ruby as she lands in Corfu, having lost her restaurant job. Yianni is her aunts stepson. Ruby is using this summer to learn how to run a restaurant and heal from her relationship with Jonathan. I loved the two timelines present and past, each revealing little bits of the story. As someone who isn’t heavy into romance, this was perfect! Ruby and Yianni seem like a perfect match as they each have their issues with controlling, abusive partners. They help each other heal. This is a story of healing and finding yourself. And finding love after hurt.
Thank you to Natgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Ruby arrives in Greece with a plan. But life has it's own plan for her. Good story with a few twists. Wonderful characters.

3.5 rounded up

This book is an emotionally rich summer read, perfect for anyone who loves Greece or dreams of going there. It follows Ruby, who, after losing her job and feeling lost, is offered a new beginning by her aunt in Corfu. Although hesitant at first, Ruby takes the chance and moves to work at her aunt’s bar and restaurant for six months.

The story blends humor, romance, and emotional depth—especially in Ruby’s evolving relationship with Yianni, which is filled with vulnerability and tension. Ruby’s journey of healing from a controlling ex is portrayed with authenticity, making her character deeply relatable.

Told with shifts between past and present, the narrative explores heavy themes like emotional abuse and grief with sensitivity. The emotional arc is compelling, balancing laughter with moments of deep sadness. A notable strength is the couple’s temporary separation, which felt meaningful and necessary for their personal growth. Their eventual reunion is both powerful and well-earned.

Thank you NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for the ARC!

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Oh wow! How easily I was transported to the Greek islands. I felt all the feels of this beautifully written story. We are all broken in parts but loved how Ruby overcame it all to make all her dreams come true.
Inspirational, romantic and perfect in every way imagined. This book for sit with me for quite a while and wrap me in the warm Aegean sun that I didn’t even know I needed 🩷

What a romantic getaway this was. Very Mamma Mia coded but in a completely stunning individual way. Just what we needed going into the summer months and a perfect way to welcome spring. Beautiful beautiful beautiful story!

ooooooh i do love these books. this genre, this type of book is just the best!
i cannot tell you enough that if you look to this cover,think you like books like this, read the blurb and are still pulled in then you must read this book. because you will adore it just like i did.
its the perfect fit to the genre and type. the setting, the location, the central and wider story is just superb.
ive wanted to go to this part of the world for so long and this only makes me yearn to do so. i dont think that will ever be possible so these books also capture that little place of my heart.
in this book we have Ruby who had to all but flee a terrible relationship back home. Francesca does this topic so sensitively. she doesnt shy away from it but nor does she overwhelm the reader. and she makes it all about Ruby and what we should know and be feeling about what she went through. desperate for a rest to her heart she retreats to the island of Corfu to help her Aunt Hazel at her seaside taverna. just being where she is starts the healing process. being surrounded by good people only helps her more. a peace begins to weave itself into the painful parts she had to escape from and in its place she starts to grow her own sense of self again.
there is another unexpected and at first unwanted person who adds to this peace. and this is Yianni who works alongside her at the taverna. hes kind,warm and supportive and the connection between the two is both instant but slow and calming. his support and patience is one beautiful thing about him. and their growing relationship is formed on the grounds of that trust and connection.
Ruby is of course still hurting and cautious. can she trust him? can she trust herself?

the first part of the blurb tells you to read this book if you love specific authors. and my my my it couldnt be more right. this book was perfection.

The story centers on Ruby, a woman who’s just escaped a manipulative, emotionally damaging relationship in England. Desperate for a fresh start, she retreats to the Greek island of Corfu to help her Aunt Hazel run a quaint seaside taverna. Surrounded by turquoise waters, olive groves, and the warmth of village life, Ruby hopes to find peace and begin rebuilding her sense of self.

Ruby arrives with the intention of keeping to herself—romance is the last thing on her mind. But she soon meets Yianni, a handsome and kind-hearted local who works alongside her at the taverna. Their connection is undeniable, yet Ruby is cautious. She’s still carrying emotional wounds and isn’t sure she’s ready to open up again.

As Ruby finds her footing in her new environment, she slowly starts confronting the trauma she left behind. The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the long-lasting effects of emotional abuse, and Catlow handles these themes with care and authenticity. Ruby’s inner journey—learning to trust herself, recognize her worth, and make peace with her past—is central to the novel and deeply moving. , Yianni meanwhile, proves to be more than just a love interest—he’s supportive without being pushy, patient, and respectful of Ruby’s boundaries, making their slow-burn romance feel organic and earned.

This is ultimately a story about reclaiming your voice, embracing second chances, and letting the healing power of new surroundings and meaningful connections guide you forward. It’s an uplifting and tender novel, perfect for readers who enjoy stories of personal renewal wrapped in sunlit Mediterranean charm.

I hope one day to visit Greece from how beautifully written this book was about it. I loved the main character so much! I was engulfed by this story from page one. Wonderfully done

A four read, this took me out of my reading slump. A great summer read and some chapters really intrigued me, so many heart breaking thoughts of ruby which you would definitely relate to when reading this. Thank you NetGalley for fitting me this arc

Ruby only expected to learn the restaurant business when she moves to Corfu to work in her aunt Hazel's taverna-she didn't expect to find love. This is a nicely atmospheric romance between Ruby and Yianni but also between everyone and Corfu. It might seem odd that Ruby wants to open a restaurant, given that her parents' place failed and that, more importantly, she's not a cook but she's a hostess who enjoyed bringing people together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good characters and fine storytelling make this a good read.

OMG, you guys, Greek Secret is the ultimate summer vibe ☀️💙 If you love Greece (or just dream of vacay-ing there 🏝️), this book is IT.

Ruby’s life is in shambles—she’s lost her job and has no clue what’s next 😩. But then, her aunt (who’s visiting from Corfu ) drops a literal dream opportunity in her lap: come work at her restaurant & bar for six months. At first, Ruby’s like uhh no thanks because she doesn’t want pity, but after some friendly persuasion, she’s packing her bags and heading to paradise ✈️🌊.

And can we TALK about the chemistry between Ruby and Yianni?!? The tension, the vulnerability—I was rooting for them from page one 😍🔥. There are hilarious moments, some real tear-jerkers, and honestly, Ruby’s struggle with her controlling ex hit so close to home for me 💔.

Oh, and if you’re a The Little Blue Door fan, you’ll love the little Easter eggs 👀✨. Francesca just gets it, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next!! 💕📖

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!