this book is going to make you smile. and in that way where you tell yourself to stop it and know its not the kind of goofy smile you need to be seen in public doing. but its the gorgeous smile of true fizz and whizz you get from good books, good love, and good moments. the smile you can let go of your inner cynic and believe in this kind of Italian lovers brilliance.
and did it get warmer every time i read this book. it did indeed feel like i was under the Italian sun. Olivia writes in such scrumptious ways where you feel the scene around you. you almost smell the area, feel the ground she describing. i love the way she both made me yearn to go there but also felt like i almost was.
this book is part of a series and i loved how Olivia took us back to see some of the previous characters again. but it never felt like you were left out of something if you hadnt read the others. but you need to read the others you really do.
this book takes us to the Italian hotel that offers to give you your perfect match. except for Sammie it does not. ermm whats happened here. why is this girl who believe so much in love being given all the dweebs who dont? and so thats over,done but that doesnt mean her holiday is. because in steps a safety net. safe because he can give her all the experiences she came here for, all the excursions to enjoy with a partner. but also safe because the rules state hes a no go. and she is a no go. but whoever thinks they can tell love or connection where its allowed? because when these two meet and spend time together there is more than professional relations going on here.
but is this miserable gruff guy what Sammie wants?
and is this woman who believe too much in love what Romeo wants. especially as falling for this woman could lose him his job.
yes please yes please to this book. it was a corker. it was brilliant. it was one you want to open and look forward to coming back to.
the banter was on match with the sweetness. the flirty was on match with the deeper connections.
it makes you care enough about these two that you have that angst belly towards the end because you need them to have their happy ever after and are waiting for the romance tropes to make your heart hurt part way through.
this book was super. i loooooved it.

The Book:
Samantha (Sammie) is off to Italy to stay at The Love Hotel - an exclusive resort that plays matchmaker. Sammie is excited to meet her match - one of her best friends was matched at The Love Hotel and is madly in love. Sammie's match may be perfect on paper, but he's a lot to be desired in person. He's judgy and not so much fun. But Sammie is determined to give him a chance - Despite her growing attraction to her Love Alchemist, Romeo.

Romeo has been in a bit of hot water with his employers at The Love Hotel. He can't help it that some of the women fawn over him. He's not trying to flirt with them - Until he meets Sammie. He just can't help himself.

Told in dual-POV between Sammie and Romeo, this story follows Sammie and Romeo as they try not to fall for each other but are forced together.

My Thoughts:
This was such a fun book. I loved the setting and all the dates planned for the participants at The Love Hotel. Sammie & Romeo had great banter and chemistry, and I also really enjoyed Sammie's relationships with her friends (who she kept updated through phone calls).

This book has spice and some colourful language (neither of which bother me, although I did notice some of the language more than I normally do).

This was my favourite book so far and I enjoyed the others. This book made me cry and laugh out loud. An uplifting read with a good side of romance and hotness! I didn’t want to put it down, what a great series. Looking forward to the next book

This was such an entertaining and engaging read! Too Hard to Resist delivered exactly what it promised—sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. Olivia Spring has a knack for writing witty, relatable dialogue and characters that feel authentic.

The romantic tension was well-paced, and the dynamic between the leads kept me turning the pages. It’s a great mix of humor, romance, and just enough drama to keep things interesting without going overboard.

Why not five stars? A few plot points felt a little familiar, and I wished for a bit more depth in some of the supporting characters. But overall, it was a fun, feel-good story that left me smiling.

If you’re in the mood for a flirty romance with charm and heart, this one’s worth picking up.

This romance was so enjoyable to read. Sammie and Romeo just stole my heart. The connection they dared was so evident from the moment they met. I loved the development of Samantha's character and how she found herself. Romeo was a perfect character, he was determined to help Samantha find love. This book had an amazing plot and I loved the characters.

Such a fun read! Loved the characters and the build up of their story. I have not read the first two books of this series, but I plan to now that I've been introduced to this world and this author. Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity.

A sweet rom-com with the summer feeling, adorable moments, banter and spice! The Love Hotel takes another adventure and this time we meet a cute and sassy FMC with a lot of love to give, (a very toxic male) and a grumpy but oh so sweet MMC.
Definitely perfect for summer time.

Initially I was skeptical about reading this book because it was third installment of the series. I usually like reading the prequels but decided to dive into this one. It was a good decision! I didn’t feel like I missed anything and was able to enjoy the book on its own merit. This was a quite enjoyable read that took me and my imagination to Puglia, Italy. The story had me intrigued from the very beginning, but the author’s vibrant description of the region was magnificent and had me ready to book a flight. I also loved the illustration of characters and was rooting for Sammie and Romeo. Forbidden love and forced proximity couple with undeniable chemistry made for the best love story! That said, the quips were a bit quirky (which I enjoyed most of the time) and the flow felt a little off at times, but it was still quite cute and very easy to read. I’d definitely recommend it. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-Arc!!

This is book 3 in The Love Hotel series.
This one is set in Italy, and Sammie is looking for love. After being 'dumped' by her match, she is left at the hotel without a match, so decides to make the best of her situation and enjoy the time on her own!
Romeo, is the Love Alchemist assigned to Sammie and her failed love match.
This was a lovely book which made me want to visit The Love Hotel and find a match.
Thank you Netgalley and Olivia Spring for the advanced copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.

DNF-I tried really hard and got about 53% in. The premise sounded interesting, but overall I just couldn't get in to it and the whole concept ended up seeming really unbelievable. The characters didn't really have any depth and were really kind of annoying. Romeo kept saying how funny Samantha was and quite frankly, I didn't feel that way about her at all. I don't feel like Romeo and Samantha had anything in common besides being cheated on in the past and both being really sexually attracted to each other.

Maybe had I started with the first book in the series I could have gotten in to this one a little more and gotten a better perspective about the Love Hotel and the cast of characters.

I do love a good I-want-you-but-can't-have-you romcom, so the author really had that going for this story. However, just couldn't connect with it.

This is the third book in the "Love Hotel" series but it can be read as a stand-alone.
Sammie has applied to go to the Love Hotel in order to find her Soul Mate and has finally been invited to go. Sadly it turns out her perfect match is not so perfect after all and he even leaves her there on her own. In order to make her feel better Love Alchemist Romeo accompanies her to various trips and activities and they develop feelings - but relationships between employes and guests are strictly forbidden...
I completely enjoyed reading this book, it felt like a mini-vacation. I liked both main characters and the setting in Italy made me want to book a trip there ASAP. The story was entertaining and believable if at times a bit predictable but I didn't really mind. I love how Olivia's books are interconnected so you always get a glimpse of characters that you know from other books.

Too Hard to Resist is a scorching, funny, and flirty romance set against the dreamy backdrop of Puglia, Italy. Olivia Spring delivers everything you want in a summer rom-com: laugh-out-loud banter, swoon-worthy chemistry, and a premise that’s equal parts ridiculous and irresistible.

Sammie Gordon is a hopeless romantic who jumps at the chance to find love at an exclusive matchmaking resort in Italy. But when her supposedly perfect match turns out to be a dud, she’s left solo in paradise. Enter Romeo—yes, that’s his real name—a brooding, rule-following Love Alchemist who’s supposed to keep things strictly professional. Spoiler: he doesn’t.

The dynamic between Sammie and Romeo is pure rom-com gold. She’s bubbly and optimistic, he’s serious and smoldering, and their opposites-attract energy crackles on every page. Their dialogue is witty and fast-paced, and the slow build of their forbidden connection makes it impossible to stop turning the pages.

What makes this book shine—besides the very fun premise—is the setting. Olivia Spring paints Puglia with such vivid, sun-drenched detail that you can almost taste the gelato and feel the ocean breeze. From vineyard picnics to boat rides, the romantic backdrops are as much a part of the story as the characters themselves.

The story alternates between Sammie and Romeo’s perspectives, which adds depth and lets us see both the longing and the conflict as they wrestle with the hotel’s strict no-dating policy. And while the forbidden element could have had a bit more angst or tension, the payoff is still satisfying.

There’s also spice—yes, real spice—but it’s woven with charm and emotional connection. Some moments flirt with cheesy, but if you’re here for a rom-com escape rather than literary drama, it hits just right.

Too Hard to Resist isn’t trying to be profound. It’s a bubbly prosecco of a novel: light, fizzy, and absolutely perfect for a beach day or lazy weekend read. If you love Abby Jimenez, Meghan Quinn, or Sarah Adams, add this to your TBR. It’s sunshine, spice, and Italian escapism all in one.

Final Verdict:
A feel-good, flirty getaway read full of charm, heat, and heart. A summer romance that’s (almost) too hard to resist.

I took a chance starting The Love Hotel series with book three, but it turned out to be a great decision! Even though there are connections to the previous books, this one stands on its own, so I never felt lost.

The concept had me hooked right away—a love hotel that finds your perfect match? Yes, please! This book has so many great romance elements: forbidden love, forced proximity, witty laugh-out-loud banter, and matchmaking gone wrong. Oh, and the setting? Puglia, Italy—an absolute dream. Olivia managed to make me feel like I was right there alongside them!

Sammie and Romeo’s chemistry was undeniable. Every interaction made me fall in love with them more, and I couldn’t help but root for them. It was impossible not to devour this book as quickly as I could!

By the time I finished, I knew one thing—I’ll definitely be reading more Olivia Spring books!

“Too Hard to Resist” is part of the “The Love Hotel” series by Olivia Spring. While this book has characters from previous books as minor characters, this book can be read as a stand-alone. This was my first Olivia Spring book and I am pretty sure it won’t be my last. I really liked some of the throw-away line humor in this book (comparing someone to Rowan Atkinson!), along with the wonderful descriptions of Puglia, Italy. The chapters were short and the pace moved at a nice clip. It’s a sweet fast read - with some “sexy time” tossed in. The banter was great and just what I needed for a quick read. Strong recommend.

This is actually book number three from ‘The Love Hotel’ series but can very easily be read as a stand alone although it does contain some recurring characters and continuing storylines too. To be quite honest all these books are so good you just need to read them all!!

Right from the very beginning I was pulled into this amazing story and it held my attention all of the way through until I had turned the last page and very easily devoured it all!

The main setting for this book is Puglia, Italy and through Olivia’s wonderful, descriptive writing it was very easy to imagine what all the places looked like.

As always with Olivia’s main characters I soon fell in love with both Romeo and Sammie. The chemistry between them both sizzled and oh the banter they shared was absolutely hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Also, the humour in this book is extremely top notch and it definitely had me laughing out loud in many places throughout the story!

I love the little cameo mentions of some of the previous characters and having a little catch-up of their lives too. There were also a few extra side characters who I really enjoyed getting to know and maybe I would like a continuation of their story at some point…

There were lots of romantic and swoonworthy parts and mixed with the humour this made for the most perfect rom com story.

All-in-all this book was all kinds of perfect and was everything that I could wish for from a rom-com. There was romance, hilarity, forbidden love, an all important happy-ever-after and of course a liberal sprinkling of spiciness too - amazing!

London gal Sammie hasn't had much luck with men, so the opportunity to meet her perfect match at the Love Hotel has her quickly cashing in her life savings. After all, it worked for her friend Stella (in a previous instalment which I haven't read). Unfortunately the Italian hotel's expert matchmakers seem to have dropped the ball this time, because while Edward looks good on paper, in practice it's just not happening, despite Sammie's best efforts.

However, also on the scene is everyone's dream man, gorgeous Love Hotel employee Romeo. (Yes, he's Italian.) Sparks fly between him and Sammie, but what with her being a guest and the existence of Edward (however uninvested the latter may be), it can't happen. Until it does. And does again... and again...

It was a fun read, I think the third in the Love Hotel series? I'd probably like to have heard a bit more about the other guests, who are barely in evidence. The focus is very much on Sammie and Romeo, and we hear from both their perspectives alternately, which is nice. I'm not sure how feasible a Love Hotel is in practice, but it's a fun idea for a story, a twist on the Married at First Sight sort of thing. I liked the characters and the setting and wouldn't be averse to reading others in the series.

I want to say thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book.

Apart from the slightly awkward (not in a bad way) intimate scenes, which seemed to lean more porn story cheesy (my only issue) this was a fantastic book, and an amazing summer read or anytime read! I really thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters had depth, which is missing a lot in some romance books lately, they made you fall in love with them. Except for the jerk she matched with, you will completely agree with me on that. I love the descriptions of everywhere and everything they were perfectly done and not way too much detail that you just loose interest. I also didn't realize it was part of a series but you can completely read it without reading the others!

I couldn't put this book down, I loved the banter, I loved the main characters. As soon as I started it I fell in love and hated when I had to put it down. It's draws you in and I finished it in a couple hours, and it's going to live rent free in my mind for a while. Apart from a few emotional scenes and moments this was sweet and cute and hot and in a way really cozy. I've really missed true romance books that actually make you feel something and immerse you in the story so you never want to leave. It's been a while since I've had a book I really didn't want to put down! So if you need a great anytime, or great summer/ beach/ vacation read, this is it. I will hype this book up always as the perfect fit for all of those!

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to read this book and fall in love with it!

she knew exactly what she was doing when she said: “let’s throw a hopeless romantic in a hot italian hotel and make her fall in love with the one man she literally cannot touch.”

let’s set the scene:
you’re in italy. you’re in a love hotel. your “perfect match” dips on you. and the only man around to take you on your romantic itinerary full of wine tastings and boat rides? the staff member (love alchemist) assigned to you. aka: romeo. aka: mr. grumpy italian dreamboat.

trope rundown:
• forbidden romance (staff x hotel guest)
• opposites attract (grumpy x sunshine)
• fake dating energy but not really
• forced proximity
• matchmaking but make it ✨cursed✨

now the facts:
1. romeo & sammie had chemistry. like, real chemistry. their banter? banging. like i’d watch them flirt in a reality show kind of way. romeo is moody, sarcastic, and hot. sammie’s a certified lover girl who keeps getting her heart stomped on by men with the emotional range of a teaspoon. they balance each other out like gelato and heartbreak.

“they always leave me.”
girl. same. same. same. sammie speaks for the broken-hearted and slightly delulu.

2. the concept eats. a matchmaking hotel in italy? i’m eating that up like tiramisu. it’s giving love island x hallmark x open door romance. i was ✨invested✨.

3. the writing? light + breezy. you can read this with two brain cells and a matcha latte. and that’s a compliment. the chapters are short (bless up), the pacing is solid, and it doesn’t pretend to be deeper than it is. it’s just a sweet lil getaway read. like a vacation romance you pretend didn’t mean anything until you start crying on the plane home.

4. what didn’t work? ok let’s be real. the forbidden romance tension was basically… nonexistent. like y’all keep SAYING “we shouldn’t” but then proceed to do it anyway with zero inner turmoil. where’s the angst?? the slow burn? the pining? give me some emotional DAMAGE!!

and yeah, some of the dialogue had me side-eyeing my kindle. romeo would switch to italian mid-spice scene and i’d be like… pls. not now. it got corny. but not enough to ruin the vibe?

⸻

final thoughts:
this book isn’t revolutionary. it’s not gonna leave you wrecked and sobbing on the bathroom floor. but it will make you smile. it’ll make you blush. it’s sweet, flirty, and hella readable. like a fizzy prosecco on a hot day — not deep, but hits the spot.

very cute. very fun. very 3.75 stars.

romeo, call me.

*thank you netgalley, the author, and the publishing team for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved the flow of this book. The point of view switches between Sammie and Romeo effortlessly. I dream of vacationing in Italy and after reading this I can't wait to go. I found Sammie's character to be very sweet and caring. I absolutely fell in love with Romeo. I had a difficult time putting this book down and read late into the night to finish it. Every woman deserves a Romeo.

This book was so great! It was well written and the characters were so relatable. I really enjoyed it and will definitely recommend it to others!