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Waiting For Love
Love can happen suddenly, but sometimes it waits almost a lifetime...
Sofia Rossi is sick of being pushed toward love—just because her girls have found their HEAs doesn’t mean she’s next. As an executive at her family’s cosmetic company, she has a full life. In fact, she’s leaving Positano and heading to San Diego to learn from the wildly successful CEO of another organic beauty company. Things get a little complicated when she meets a handsome California surfer named Lucas on her last free day in SoCal before starting her internship. He’s got sandy blonde hair, sapphire blue eyes, and tattoos, and they spend a perfect afternoon together on the beach. When she walks into Earth Organix the next morning, she comes face-to-face with a grumpy CEO who just happens to be the free-spirited Lucas from the beach. Imagine her surprise when he pretends not to know her.
Luke Austin is tired of maintaining his persona as the cold-hearted CEO who keeps people at a distance. He longs to be the kind of man his grandmother would be proud of, but guilt keeps the mask firmly in place. That is, until he meets a beautiful Italian woman on the beach near his home. When he saves her from a rogue seagull and invites her to spend an afternoon with him, he’s suddenly feeling a connection he wasn’t expecting. The next day, he walks into his office and comes face-to-face with the woman he can’t stop thinking about. As he spends more time with Sofia, he keeps feeling like there’s something familiar about her that reminds him of a girl he loved long ago.
Despite a rocky start, Sofia and Luke can’t fight their startling connection for long. It’s almost like they’ve been waiting for each other.
Grumpy vs Sunshine
Friends to Lovers
Secret Identity
Reverse Age Gap
Forced Proximity
It Was Always You
Sofia Rossi is sick of being pushed toward love—just because her girls have found their HEAs doesn’t mean she’s next. As an executive at her family’s cosmetic company, she has a full life. In fact, she’s leaving Positano and heading to San Diego to learn from the wildly successful CEO of another organic beauty company. Things get a little complicated when she meets a handsome California surfer named Lucas on her last free day in SoCal before starting her internship. He’s got sandy blonde hair, sapphire blue eyes, and tattoos, and they spend a perfect afternoon together on the beach. When she walks into Earth Organix the next morning, she comes face-to-face with a grumpy CEO who just happens to be the free-spirited Lucas from the beach. Imagine her surprise when he pretends not to know her.
Luke Austin is tired of maintaining his persona as the cold-hearted CEO who keeps people at a distance. He longs to be the kind of man his grandmother would be proud of, but guilt keeps the mask firmly in place. That is, until he meets a beautiful Italian woman on the beach near his home. When he saves her from a rogue seagull and invites her to spend an afternoon with him, he’s suddenly feeling a connection he wasn’t expecting. The next day, he walks into his office and comes face-to-face with the woman he can’t stop thinking about. As he spends more time with Sofia, he keeps feeling like there’s something familiar about her that reminds him of a girl he loved long ago.
Despite a rocky start, Sofia and Luke can’t fight their startling connection for long. It’s almost like they’ve been waiting for each other.
Grumpy vs Sunshine
Friends to Lovers
Secret Identity
Reverse Age Gap
Forced Proximity
It Was Always You
- GenresContemporary
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2025
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Mary Henderson
4 books8 followersMary Henderson is an avid reader, loves to travel, and loves all things chocolate. Her first published book, Dream Big, Girl, has been used as a devotional and Bible study in both the U.S. and Honduras, where she splits up her time. She hosts an ongoing companion podcast, offering opportunities to expand on the themes found in her devotional. Her favorite hobbies are reading, diving, and spending time with her girl tribe from around the world. She believes in true love, the kind that books are written about, and believes that book boyfriends actually do exist in this world. Most days, you’ll find her either at the beach in Honduras or in her favorite café in San Diego, plotting her next adventure and dreaming of her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 19, 2025
I literally can't with how cute this story was! I was giggling, and smiling the entire time. Once I got into this book this love story swept me away to the beaches of California.....
It had all that wonderful chemistry and tension wrapped up in a grumpy x sunshine package tied with a reluctant allies to more shaped bow. It was seriously giving off beauty and the beast vibes...except the beast is just as beautiful as the beauty but with muscles apparently 😂. Anyways, we've also got a reversed age gap, and billionaire romance going, except they are both billionaires, super smart, have very similar companies and goals within those businesses, but different personalities. Isn't it a match made in heaven? Want to know what's even better? They met when they were kids on a holiday his family took to Italy, kept in touch but then sadly lost contact and had all but forgotten about each other until....well you'll just have to read to find out ;) Oh and did I mention it's like borderline forced Proximity? Ya it's pretty great.
So about those differing pesonalities, Sofia is the sunshine full of smiles and friendliness but definitely not looking for love. She is focused and riven, and likes to keep her feet on the ground. But she has her own sense of adventure, and loves good food. Luke is the grump, scary to all but those closest to him, a hard outer shell with a very hidden soft side. A sense of adventure that went dormant but unleashed with the challenge of getting Sophia's feet to leave the ground alongside his. They are each other's perfect complement it just takes a little work for them to see it.
I really enjoyed all the different friend groups whether old or new, the sarcasm and sassy ladies. The flirting was perfect, the teamwork, and growth was great, and the healing was beautiful. Yes both our MC's have some scars, some buried emotions and heartache that slowly begins to release its choke-hold and heal when they let the other one in.
Oh and the pop culture references! I loved each one they were so perfect and hilarious, from I love Lucy and Encanto references, to lines from Friends. This whole book is full of fun, humor, and good times. Such a joy to read, and that little plot twist at the end....wow! But don't worry it ends beautifully, happily and perfectly! I can't wait to read more in this series and see what happens in some of the other characters'stories!
Content: No-spice/kisses only, no swearing, grief and loss of loved ones (in the past)
* I received this book as an arc, all opinions are my own*
It had all that wonderful chemistry and tension wrapped up in a grumpy x sunshine package tied with a reluctant allies to more shaped bow. It was seriously giving off beauty and the beast vibes...except the beast is just as beautiful as the beauty but with muscles apparently 😂. Anyways, we've also got a reversed age gap, and billionaire romance going, except they are both billionaires, super smart, have very similar companies and goals within those businesses, but different personalities. Isn't it a match made in heaven? Want to know what's even better? They met when they were kids on a holiday his family took to Italy, kept in touch but then sadly lost contact and had all but forgotten about each other until....well you'll just have to read to find out ;) Oh and did I mention it's like borderline forced Proximity? Ya it's pretty great.
So about those differing pesonalities, Sofia is the sunshine full of smiles and friendliness but definitely not looking for love. She is focused and riven, and likes to keep her feet on the ground. But she has her own sense of adventure, and loves good food. Luke is the grump, scary to all but those closest to him, a hard outer shell with a very hidden soft side. A sense of adventure that went dormant but unleashed with the challenge of getting Sophia's feet to leave the ground alongside his. They are each other's perfect complement it just takes a little work for them to see it.
I really enjoyed all the different friend groups whether old or new, the sarcasm and sassy ladies. The flirting was perfect, the teamwork, and growth was great, and the healing was beautiful. Yes both our MC's have some scars, some buried emotions and heartache that slowly begins to release its choke-hold and heal when they let the other one in.
Oh and the pop culture references! I loved each one they were so perfect and hilarious, from I love Lucy and Encanto references, to lines from Friends. This whole book is full of fun, humor, and good times. Such a joy to read, and that little plot twist at the end....wow! But don't worry it ends beautifully, happily and perfectly! I can't wait to read more in this series and see what happens in some of the other characters'stories!
Content: No-spice/kisses only, no swearing, grief and loss of loved ones (in the past)
* I received this book as an arc, all opinions are my own*
August 18, 2025
Such a cute clean romance! Just like all her other books! Definitely recommend!
August 14, 2025
Waiting for love by Mary Henderson
This was a super cute read! Sofia is tired of being pushed towards love, love can happen fast but it absolutely can happen slower than a snail! Sofia meets Lucas when she has her first free day and let me tell you, the chemistry you feel between them even on the initial meeting is hidden but absolutely amazing!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 26, 2025
I am a sucker for a good love story. This is a fantastic love story. Sofia and Luke knew each other as kids but grew apart due to distance. When they are adults, they meet again but don’t realize who the other is. They go on a journey together and inadvertently fall in love. The book is filled with beautiful descriptions of Italy and America. I really enjoyed the imagery the book portrayed. There are matchmaking side characters and mischievous scenarios that will have you tickled pink.
‘This time there was no swoon-inducing Mr. Darcy flex.’
‘This woman is going to be the death of me.’
“Sofia, I’ll never lie to you.”
“I always keep my promises.”
“And, Sofia? I don’t share.”
Even though this is the third in a series, it was my introduction to this author and I loved it. A clean and sweet romance with a somewhat enemies to lovers? Can’t say no! And just when I thought the story was over, the sweetest ending occurred. Wonderful story!
‘This time there was no swoon-inducing Mr. Darcy flex.’
‘This woman is going to be the death of me.’
“Sofia, I’ll never lie to you.”
“I always keep my promises.”
“And, Sofia? I don’t share.”
Even though this is the third in a series, it was my introduction to this author and I loved it. A clean and sweet romance with a somewhat enemies to lovers? Can’t say no! And just when I thought the story was over, the sweetest ending occurred. Wonderful story!
September 3, 2025
This series has been such a joy to follow!
I’ve loved watching this friend group fall in love, one swoony story at a time. Now it’s Sofia’s turn—she travels from Italy to California on business, has a meet-cute with a handsome stranger, and later discovers he’s the CEO she’ll be working with. 👀
This one’s packed with surprises, laugh-out-loud moments, and chemistry that sparkles. I especially loved the depth of their connection, the way they grew together (and individually), and how their story balanced heart and humor so beautifully.
I’ve loved watching this friend group fall in love, one swoony story at a time. Now it’s Sofia’s turn—she travels from Italy to California on business, has a meet-cute with a handsome stranger, and later discovers he’s the CEO she’ll be working with. 👀
This one’s packed with surprises, laugh-out-loud moments, and chemistry that sparkles. I especially loved the depth of their connection, the way they grew together (and individually), and how their story balanced heart and humor so beautifully.
August 31, 2025
Who doesn’t want to read about a sweet romance story between a handsome yet grumpy CEO and a gorgeous/feisty Italian executive. If that’s not enough to draw you in, then what if I told you this novel also involves hilarious banter, wholesome friendships, and a swoon worthy happily ever after! I truly enjoyed reading this novel and I can’t wait to see what else Ms.Henderson has in store for me!
September 3, 2025
Sofia and Luke met as children and shared a special connection. Fast forward twenty years later, and he's the grumpy new CEO where she just started working. The characters and banter were so fun! This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to checking out more of her work. I recommend it this story for anyone who loves contemporary romance but doesn't want open door scenes. 5 stars!
September 3, 2025
One of the best meet cutes with double the fun! I am so in love with Sofia and Luke's story! So swoon worthy! Sofia is such a strong FMC and you can't help but love her. Luke starts the book as a grump but his story unfolds beautifully! You don't want to miss this story!
August 27, 2025
The insta-love/insta-attraction trope isn’t always my favorite-- mostly because it’s not usually written in a believable way. However, this one’s different! I loved the it’s always been you vibes and how they had met when they are younger (but didn’t remember each other). Know this is inspired by the author’s own real-life meet cute makes it even sweeter! Luke and Sofia had great chemistry and banter, and they both had such loving and supportive (found) families. This was my first book in this series, but I am definitely interested in reading the others to see more of these characters.
September 4, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the Love in Positano series, but could be read as a standalone.
This book was so cute. I felt the connection between Sophia and Luke from the start - their familiarity with each other, their hesitation with a new relationship, their draw to one another. I loved watching the bumps in their relationship as each of them tried their best to navigate their fast developing feelings.
Both Luke and Sophia deal with anxiety over past events that happened in their lives. I thought Mary did a great job writing about their pain and their fears, and the ways it still affects them differently. I also thought the overarching message that love can heal was beautifully written.
Sophia and Luke compliment each other so well. They're both slight nerds with a passion in organics and sustainability (which is a noble cause), but they also enjoy each other's individual passions as well.
The side characters enhanced the book greatly. Luke's employees and best friends, Leyla and Jaz, provide a much needed comedic relief and are the best meddlers. Sophia's friend group that we met in the previous two books are such a solid foundation for Sophia. They're supportive and loving, annoying at the appropriate times lol, but always there for each other.
This book was so cute. I felt the connection between Sophia and Luke from the start - their familiarity with each other, their hesitation with a new relationship, their draw to one another. I loved watching the bumps in their relationship as each of them tried their best to navigate their fast developing feelings.
Both Luke and Sophia deal with anxiety over past events that happened in their lives. I thought Mary did a great job writing about their pain and their fears, and the ways it still affects them differently. I also thought the overarching message that love can heal was beautifully written.
Sophia and Luke compliment each other so well. They're both slight nerds with a passion in organics and sustainability (which is a noble cause), but they also enjoy each other's individual passions as well.
The side characters enhanced the book greatly. Luke's employees and best friends, Leyla and Jaz, provide a much needed comedic relief and are the best meddlers. Sophia's friend group that we met in the previous two books are such a solid foundation for Sophia. They're supportive and loving, annoying at the appropriate times lol, but always there for each other.
September 3, 2025
I absolutely adore Luke & Sophia's sweet, fiery, grumpy, caring, loving, hopeful, swoony happily ever after!!
September 30, 2025
Waiting For Love is a first person, dual POV, sweet romance with some Christian aspects. It follows along with Luke; a CEO for an organic beauty company, and Sofia; an Italian executive for her family's cosmetic company. Sofia heads to San Diego to spend some time at Earth Organix and see what they may be able to learn from each other. There, she meets Luke, who is gruff and not the easiest person to get to know.
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into this book. Though, once I did I found myself enjoying the fun and humorous story. I was especially drawn to the characters and their lives.
This is actually the 3rd book in the Finding Love In Positano series, but it was my first by Mary Henderson. It seemed to work well enough as a standalone, with what I imagine are mild spoilers to the previous stories. After falling in love with so many of the side characters, I'm definitely going to be checking out the first and second books as soon as possible. I'm also really looking forward to more of Miles and MJ in the next one!
Something I really liked about Waiting For Love was the beautiful family relationships and wonderful friendships, old and new. I actually noted a couple times, while reading, how much I loved the interactions between certain characters, especially Luke and Miles. Luke and Sofia also had good chemistry and adorably hilarious banter.
Make sure to check it out if you're into fun rom-coms with super loveable characters.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into this book. Though, once I did I found myself enjoying the fun and humorous story. I was especially drawn to the characters and their lives.
This is actually the 3rd book in the Finding Love In Positano series, but it was my first by Mary Henderson. It seemed to work well enough as a standalone, with what I imagine are mild spoilers to the previous stories. After falling in love with so many of the side characters, I'm definitely going to be checking out the first and second books as soon as possible. I'm also really looking forward to more of Miles and MJ in the next one!
Something I really liked about Waiting For Love was the beautiful family relationships and wonderful friendships, old and new. I actually noted a couple times, while reading, how much I loved the interactions between certain characters, especially Luke and Miles. Luke and Sofia also had good chemistry and adorably hilarious banter.
Make sure to check it out if you're into fun rom-coms with super loveable characters.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews