Love Never Happens on Valentine's Day

Love Never Happens #2

by Francesca Spencer

A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here

*Ain’t no spice here. This is a kisses-only sweet romantic comedy.*

I’ve made it my mission to find my single friend a suitable man.

So, when a handsome Texan walks into the hotel where she works, I’m convinced that they are made for each other - like candy and red roses on Valentine’s Day.

Luke Maddox stands tall in his Stetson, blue jeans, and cowboy boots.

I blush when he enters the lobby. And when he calls me ma’am, I fumble my dahlias. Sa-woon.

But it’s Sheena who wants a boyfriend, not me. So, I set about getting them together.

Sometimes love needs a little nudge.

Then, things get complicated when Luke’s interfering niece makes dating arrangements for him too.

Except that she is matching Luke with me.

When disaster hits, all my plans disintegrate like sugar-frosting in the rain.

Disappointment sours any chance of sweet romance, and I look like the bad guy.

Maybe it’s too late for me to turn things around and make amends.

On Valentine’s Day, it seems, no one will get a happy-ever-after.

Love Never Happens on Valentine’s Day is the latest hilarious, dual POV romcom, from award-winning author, Francesca Spencer, with smoochy kisses (only), loads of laughs, sizzling chemistry, and a choke-back-a-sob HEA.

Scroll up and hit ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Read Now’.

Genres: Romance

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2025

About the author

Read 'Mr Off-Limits Grump' for free. Just click on www.francescaspencerauthor.com

A bit about me...
My stories are loaded with funny stuff, coincidence, drama and love.

I pull out all the action and comedy, which is usually tragic and accident laden - add some romance if it's romcom - and package it up in a satisfying narrative tied up with a big pink shiny satin bow.

Tadaah! Here you go. Enjoy.

I'm a compulsive traveller. In fact, it's almost an addiction. I have to move around. To fund this expensive hobby, I've worked as an international primary school teacher in a number of countries, for a number of years, which has supplied its own rewards and serviced a mountain of writing material.

When I'm not teaching or having marvellous adventures, I'm visiting friends and family and writing books.

Award Winners
'Stuck With My Christmas Crush' Gold medal - Global Book Awards 2024 (Christmas category)

'Mr Billionaire Boss Grump' 2nd Place - Incipere Awards 2025 (Clean Romance)

Reviews

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in return for an
early review.

Lydia is a romantic who wants her friends to be happy in love. When a new comer enters the town she decides he would be ideal for her friend even though she likes him herself.

Luke is getting over a heartbreak himself but he sees and wants to get to know Lydia but is perplexed by her behavior of being happy one minute and stand offish the next! Then his niece also gets into the idea of playing matchmaker for him.

This was a fun story but it does have a moral to it- let people find love on their own because even if you have good intentions things can and will go wrong!
I enjoyed the interaction between everyone and the fact that it took the failed matchmaking fiasco to make these two people see that they would be good together.

I heartily recommend this book as one I believe you will enjoy reading and sharing with your friends and family!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books from this author and this one hit the spot for a good romance read. No spice, friendship, and romance. My only complaint is that I was there was a little more build up of dialogue and romance between the main characters. Still a sweet read and will continue to look forward to new releases from this author.

I received this book as a ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute story I really enjoyed it. Also your characters are very likeable.

[Anneli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, Love Never Happens on Valentine’s Day just didn’t work for me, and a large part of that comes down to the writing style. While it’s a very quick and easy read (I finished it in a single day), the writing style felt disjointed and rushed, to the point where nothing was given enough space to fully develop. Scenes moved from one to the next without much explanation, emotional beats were glossed over, and important moments were resolved almost as soon as they appeared. Even conversation didn't feel natural.

The writing leaned heavily toward telling rather than showing. Instead of letting the reader experience emotions, tension, or growth alongside the characters, the book often simply states how things are or how people feel...or just completely skips over things. Because of this, the story lacked depth and made it difficult to feel invested. Conflicts appeared and disappeared quickly, and major developments (especially in the romance!) felt abrupt and underexplained.

This rushed, surface-level approach affected the entire plot. The story introduced a large number of side characters, but none were given enough development to feel necessary or meaningful. Lydia, the main character, suffered the most from this. Her motivations and decisions weren’t explored deeply enough to make them feel believable, particularly when she makes some very questionable choices. Without proper context or reflection, her actions felt jarring rather than compelling. And even sometimes annoying.

The romance, which should have been the emotional core of the book, barely had room to breathe. It doesn’t truly emerge until the last handful of pages, and even then it feels more implied than earned. When the truth comes out near the end, the story skips forward in time and suddenly everything is fine, which only reinforced how rushed and underdeveloped the entire narrative felt.

Overall, the writing style made the book feel incomplete. While it’s an accessible and fast read, the lack of explanation, emotional grounding, and narrative cohesion left me frustrated and disconnected. I almost DNF’d it, and while others may enjoy it as a very light, low-effort read, it ultimately wasn’t for me.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Never Happens on Valentine's Day is the second book in the Love Never Happens series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

This was such a cute romance! As the story begins, Lydia is attempting to matchmake her single friend so when a Texas Cowboy, Maddox comes to town, she's determined to match them up... without their knowledge. Despite her plans, the chemistry between Lydia herself and Maddox is undeniable. Now, I know there are some people who cannot stand but honestly, I think it was done really well in this story. She thinks she's trying to set him up with someone else, he thinks she's interested herself but is confused by her mixed signals and it all just made for a really entertaining read and a great slower burn! As someone who loves seasonal reads, I do also love that it's great for a Valentine's Day read... but honestly could be enjoyed any time of the year as well.

Love Never Happens on Valentine's Day is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have very minimal minor swearing.


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia enjoys matchmaking even though her main job is running a busy florist, she loves pairing her friends off. She is definitely a romantic and believes that everyone has that special someone. When she sees the very handsome Texas cowboy in the hotel lobby, she sees how her friend looks at him and decides a perfect match is made. Luke is happy to take over the new ranch his family has acquired after his fiancée left him he needs a fresh start and this small-town will be perfect. When the gorgeous florist speaks to him he can't believe the instant chemistry. This is one of those stories we're you want to shake the female lead because she just doesn't see what everyone else sees. Will Lydia ruin her chance of hea. Will Luke's interfering niece help him win the right woman in the end. Sit back and enjoy this comedy of errors and keep your fingers for a romantic end

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This light hearted, matchmaking story with lots of horses, a cowboy and flowers along with much romantic daydreaming gives the reader a fun read with a good moral lesson (or two!).

Loved the descriptions of the flower arranging and the beautiful friendships that Lydia has as well as Luke’s settling in at his new ranch and the realistic foal birth scene plus all the clean, heart racing moments!

However, I felt there was an abrupt and sudden return to communication between the main characters near the end which seemed a bit rushed.

This reader appreciated the clean and clear reference to the couple talking about struggling, but winning, in taking things slowly…well done!

Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg !!!! I loved this book !!! I have to say Lydia is a true friend, trying to find her friend “true love “ , she never gave up no matter what happened !!! I really loved all the characters but Dottie was my favorite. And later on Maisy and Luke were talking and he forgave her for all the stuff she had done to him, that says a lot about Luke ! He’s a genuine guy !!!!!! This is the first book by this author, I really like her writing I can not wait to read more by her !!!! This book was an ARC !

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia is one of those sweet friends who means well to the point she’s almost frustrating and annoying. (As a reader) Luke almost seems to mature for her. But the storyline works and as the communication opens between the two characters the once annoying becomes charming and we get to see briefly how their relationship blooms. Just wish we saw more development their romance/relationship.

[April Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I absolutely loved this book!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Francesa did it again!! Clean funny heartwarming romance that I couldn't put down! I can't wait to read the next one!! She has quickly became one of my top 3 favorite authors!!

[Yinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute and funny read! I enjoyed the characters so much: even the side characters. They all have their little moments and it's fun to see how much they affect the heroine's actions.

Thank you to the author for this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Justin Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the read

This was a very cute read. I love Lydia, she is a florist in love with love but doesn't see it when it's in front of her face. I thought the characters were relatable. This was clean but still butterflies and kisses. Worth the read. 

[AmandaJR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. The sweetness, the town, and all the characters. I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading.

~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance.. Some comedy and lots of misunderstandings..

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when, despite the matchmaker’s best efforts, things don’t work? At least not the way that was planned. Enjoy meeting every character in a fun afternoon read.

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Lori Albertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Supposed to be sweet, but didn’t quite do it for me.

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of Luke and Lydia with their misunderstandings along the way - Love at First Sight proves to be a winner. Looking forward to reading more of your backlist, Francesca.

[Kaylee Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Danielle Buschman · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Texas girl I wanted to love this book but it just did not do it for me. Lydia trying to play Cupid with two people who clearly had no feelings or even interest in each other and then getting mad at herself when she developed feeling for Luke just because she had it set up in her mind that he was supposed to be for Sheena was just so immature. It was honestly all I could do to force myself through the end of this book. There was no real/substantial character development and honestly had Lydia acted like a mature adult there never would have been a story to begin with

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love Never Happens on Valentine’s Day” is a story filled with excitement, meddling Lydia (who’s always trying to set people up), a handsome rancher who is new to town, and so much more.
Lydia is a florist who enjoys making elaborate floral arrangements and displays. She’s also romantic and wants to help people find their mates. She stopped by to check in with her friend Sheena, who operates The Oak River Hotel. She has been successful with some of her interfering. (Should she be doing this, since she has not found her own mate?)
As they continue talking a stranger walks in, introduces himself and his need to check in. Lydia is mesmerized by the sight of him. He’s looking like a tall, cool, drink of water. He informs Sheena he’ll only be staying for one night as his family has recently purchased Green Acres Ranch. Locally referred to as the Dixon’s place, since they were the last owners. Luke shares with them that he’s in horse breeding. Lydia’s mind is all over the place with ideas to get Sheena and Luke together. Luke calls his father to let him know he’s arrived and will be checking out the new ranch. His dad informs him that Maisy, she’s his brother’s youngest daughter, will be updating the website and exploring social media opportunities. Luke is not happy about this. Maisy doesn’t respect anyone or anything and she’s also stolen from him. You could describe her as a rebellious hellion. She was kicked out of two schools and almost didn’t graduate from the third. Luke thinks back on the last time he saw Maisy. “Maisy screamed off down the road in my car that she’d hotwired, with her badass buddies, and my credit card that she used, without my knowledge, across three states at various gas stations, liquor stores, and motels. It was quite The Bender.”
From the very beginning of this story, I was captivated by the drama, the meddling, the caring characters, the emotions, and the realism of the story.
What will happen in this intriguing story filled with a new business, whose owner is handsome and unattached? What will Maisy bring to the story; is she still doing whatever she pleases? Will she just bring trouble and mayhem to the ranch? Will Lydia be successful in getting another couple together? You do not want to miss this wonderfully written story!

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somehow, this got all messed up when I went to my profile. July review (for my future records) Content: Clean

This was annoying at first but I was hoping it would get better. Then certain comments about mental health and such made me angry, including the immense overreaction to things. I don't know why I finished it.

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming and amusing read that I quite enjoyed. It was particularly amusing to watch the FMC, Lydia, in her ardent matchmaking attempts for two people who clearly were not into each other. It was also kinda exasperating to watch her try to downplay the budding attraction she knew was there between her and the MMC, Luke. It was clear she was not paying attention to the right signals, and while reading the book you just wished you could step into it and shake Lydia into realization and tell her that girl, it's you who Luke is into!

I also felt sympathy for Luke, who was obviously at a loss at the mixed signals he got from Lydia. He was such a sweet man, and I rooted for him to stay patient and wait for Lydia to come to her senses. When she finally did, I loved the way they were able to thoroughly clear things up. I appreciated the open and honest communication that they had, and it sure paved the way for them to move forward finally as a couple.

More than the love story, I enjoyed all the other topics mentioned in this book - Lydia's flower shop business, Luke's horse ranch, and the overall sense of community that pervaded the book. I was fascinated with the intricacies of both Lydia's and Luke's businesses; that was part of the book's appeal to me.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Kaya Grigsby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book just didn’t work for me. I had high hopes for a sweet Valentine’s romance, but I struggled to finish it. I’m giving it 2 out of 5 stars, mainly because I liked the MMC, Luke. The plot was cluttered with unnecessary characters, and the FMC, Lydia, was frustrating and lacked real development. The romance didn’t come until the last 10 pages, and the build-up was lacking.

Lydia’s mission to set her friend Sheena up with Luke takes an unexpected turn when Luke’s niece, Maisy, starts matching him with Lydia instead. But the story lacks chemistry, and the romance feels rushed and unrealistic. Lydia also makes questionable decisions, including committing identity theft to manipulate Luke. When the truth comes out, there’s a time jump, and suddenly everything is fine. This made it hard to believe in a lasting romance.

The book had too many plot holes, characters that didn’t add anything, and no real depth. The lack of substance left me disappointed, and I just couldn’t connect with the characters. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this one, but as always, read for yourself and see what you think.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE NEVER HAPPENS ON VALENTINE’S DAY by Francesca Spencer is a sweet romance set in a small town with friends and family. This is Lydia and Luke’s story. He’s new to town and running his family’s horse farm. She owns the local flower shop and likes to play matchmaker for her friends. What happens when the interest just isn’t there, but is instead focused on others?

The story has multiple stories being told. We get to know Lydia’s friends and where they work as well as Luke’s niece. The secondary characters are a welcome addition to the story. There are horses, lots of flowers and wedding planning, secrets, hidden agendas and more. There are some laugh out loud moments and others that are cringe worthy. Things don’t go as Lydia plans or intends but there is romance in the air for several couples. There is some closure too.

A small town romance with a lot of activities, hard working business owners and holidays to celebrate. Come for a visit and see what Oak River has to offer.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia owns the local florist. She fancies herself the town matchmaker, but some people feel it is more like a meddler.

She has a heart of gold and the best of intentions when she decides her friend Sheena should be matched with the newest man in town. Luke Maddox is a Texas cowboy through and through, and he is definitely easy on the eyes. Lydia wants to matchmake Sheena and Luke, or rather force them together. There is only one problem. There is chemistry between Lydia and Luke.

This was a fun book to read with a comedy of errors on every side as Lydia with her good intentions causes havoc and chaos and can't see what is right in front of her. This short and sweet read was the perfect book to put you in the mood for a good Valentines romance, and will provide you with a few chuckles along the way as well.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley Aceves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia Lane Florist, turns desperately obsessed in match-making her lonely friend Sheena with the new Lonesome Cowboy Luke Maddox. She is instantly mesmerized by him and despite the fact that she too is lonely she feels that Luke and Sheena are the perfect match! Lydia is such a Romantic that wants to see everyone happy and in love in her small lovely town!! However she feels romance is not something in her life that she has time for. And clearly states “ I am the fairy godmother and never the Cin-derella. That's just the way it is." This was an awesome fun- filled read with lots of mixed signals despite chemistry and connection between Lydia & Luke! Lots of valuable lessons as well for example “ You just don't know what the universe is going to provide for you!”, And “ Never say Never!” What whatever is meant to be will be!! I definitely recommend has amazing Hallmark vibes!! And I learned so much about Beautiful Flowers and the Ranch Farm life!!

[Ashley Aceves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia Lane Florist, turns desperately obsessed in match-making her lonely friend Sheena with the new Lonesome Cowboy Luke Maddox. She is instantly mesmerized by him and despite the fact that she too is lonely she feels that Luke and Sheena are the perfect match! Lydia is such a Romantic that wants to see everyone happy and in love in her small lovely town!! However she feels romance is not something in her life that she has time for. And clearly states “ I am the fairy godmother and never the Cin-derella. That's just the way it is." This was an awesome fun- filled read with lots of mixed signals despite chemistry and connection between Lydia & Luke! Lots of valuable lessons as well for example “ You just don't know what the universe is going to provide for you!”, And “ Never say Never!” What whatever is meant to be will be!! I definitely recommend has amazing Hallmark vibes!! And I learned so much about Beautiful Flowers and the Ranch Farm life!!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “A woman does not depend on a man for her happiness.” --- "I am the fairy godmother and never the Cinderella." --- It’s important to develop trust with people you work with, to get the best from them. --- I’m a lonesome cowboy singing the blues. --- "but wouldn’t it be nice if flowers and romance were more powerful than force and weapon? That love really can save the world.” --- "roses mean different emotions according to color. But red roses mean, I love you, in the most romantic way." -----
What's up with Sheena? What's Maisy up to? What's Courtney up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Lydia and Luke's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Love Never Happens on Valentine’s Day’ was entertaining. The plot was filled with setting up a friend for romance, being a romantic, bumbling at matchmaking, trying to set the record straight, a meddling niece, using a dating app falsely, confessing, and falling in love. Moreover, Lydia and Luke, the protagonists, were soul mates and gushed with chemistry. I kept rooting for them.
Also, I liked the author’s writing style: engaging and believable characters, a fascinating small-town setting, humor, a captivating storyline, dramatic irony, and vivid descriptions including imagery, figurative language, and scintillating word choices that created an upbeat tone. Overall. I liked the amusing narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.