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Never Just a Fantasy
Luke booked a week in paradise with a fantasy. He didn’t expect to fall for the girl behind the curated image.
When heartbreak leaves Luke Colton facing a week in Jamaica alone, he makes a reckless choice. He books seven days in paradise with Mia Sloane, the beautiful girl he’s only ever seen on a computer screen.
Mia knows how to play the part. She’s built a living out of being the fantasy—polished, untouchable, perfectly curated. But nothing about Luke is what she expects. He’s kind, a little dorky, and far too sincere. And no one has ever made her feel so dangerously seen.
As the sunny days melt into starry nights, banter turns to real conversation, staged moments give way to unexpected tenderness, and the lines between fantasy and something deeper begin to blur.
But what happens when the mask comes off? The question isn’t just what is real. It’s whether something real can survive once the fantasy ends.
Never Just a Fantasy is a heartfelt, emotionally layered slow-burn romance about vulnerability, healing, and the messy beauty of choosing to be truly seen.
When heartbreak leaves Luke Colton facing a week in Jamaica alone, he makes a reckless choice. He books seven days in paradise with Mia Sloane, the beautiful girl he’s only ever seen on a computer screen.
Mia knows how to play the part. She’s built a living out of being the fantasy—polished, untouchable, perfectly curated. But nothing about Luke is what she expects. He’s kind, a little dorky, and far too sincere. And no one has ever made her feel so dangerously seen.
As the sunny days melt into starry nights, banter turns to real conversation, staged moments give way to unexpected tenderness, and the lines between fantasy and something deeper begin to blur.
But what happens when the mask comes off? The question isn’t just what is real. It’s whether something real can survive once the fantasy ends.
Never Just a Fantasy is a heartfelt, emotionally layered slow-burn romance about vulnerability, healing, and the messy beauty of choosing to be truly seen.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2026
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Gunn
1 book5 followersI believe love is rarely neat—and that’s exactly what makes it worth writing about. For years, I was an observer of the human condition, until I finally started to write about it. I hope my observations resonate with you as much as they do with me.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 1, 2026
Never Just a Fantasy by A.W. Gunn pulled me in immediately—the prologue hooked me, and I couldn’t stop wondering about Mia’s empowering character and Luke’s decision to spend $9k to spend a week with a woman he doesn’t even know. Who hurt Luke that badly? I needed answers.
From the very beginning, during the van ride from the airport, Mia is already starting to let her guard down. She comes across as confident, bold, and outgoing, while Luke feels a bit awkward but genuinely respectful—clearly someone who knows how to treat a woman well. Watching them navigate an experience that’s far outside both of their comfort zones was one of my favorite parts of the story. Surprisingly, they grow comfortable with each other quickly, even as they begin testing boundaries and stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Mia knows right away that Luke is different, and before long, the lines of their arrangement start to blur. I loved their interactions with the locals—it added charm and warmth to the story and really leaned into those rom-com vibes. Luke’s thoughtful gifts, Mia embracing her true self, and the way they support one another made their connection feel genuine and earned.
Luke is incredibly gentle and graceful with Mia, always making her feel cared for and valued. Their first real “argument” was raw and emotional—Mia struggles with committing to Luke as her authentic self, questioning how she can separate who she is from what she does to support her family. How could Luke truly love her when he knew the truth?
When Mia finally realizes she can just be herself with Luke—walls down, no pretending—and reveals that her real name is Jessa, I was genuinely cheering. That moment felt powerful and well deserved.
I loved their happy ending. They truly saw each other for who they were and gave each other exactly what they deserved in a partner. A heartfelt, romantic story that balances vulnerability, growth, and love beautifully. 💕📖
From the very beginning, during the van ride from the airport, Mia is already starting to let her guard down. She comes across as confident, bold, and outgoing, while Luke feels a bit awkward but genuinely respectful—clearly someone who knows how to treat a woman well. Watching them navigate an experience that’s far outside both of their comfort zones was one of my favorite parts of the story. Surprisingly, they grow comfortable with each other quickly, even as they begin testing boundaries and stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Mia knows right away that Luke is different, and before long, the lines of their arrangement start to blur. I loved their interactions with the locals—it added charm and warmth to the story and really leaned into those rom-com vibes. Luke’s thoughtful gifts, Mia embracing her true self, and the way they support one another made their connection feel genuine and earned.
Luke is incredibly gentle and graceful with Mia, always making her feel cared for and valued. Their first real “argument” was raw and emotional—Mia struggles with committing to Luke as her authentic self, questioning how she can separate who she is from what she does to support her family. How could Luke truly love her when he knew the truth?
When Mia finally realizes she can just be herself with Luke—walls down, no pretending—and reveals that her real name is Jessa, I was genuinely cheering. That moment felt powerful and well deserved.
I loved their happy ending. They truly saw each other for who they were and gave each other exactly what they deserved in a partner. A heartfelt, romantic story that balances vulnerability, growth, and love beautifully. 💕📖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2026
This was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review — thank you for the gifted eARC.
Book: Never Just a Fantasy
Genre: Rom-Com
Rating: 4⭐️
4/5 Relationships
4/5 Characters
4/5 Plot
3🌶
*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆
I didn’t do much research before picking up this book — I simply read the synopsis and jumped right in. I went in without any strong opinions or expectations, and honestly? I really liked it.
Set in the Caribbean, this story absolutely delivers on that summer-bubble vibe. While there are moments where the narrative dips into more serious territory, it largely remains lighthearted, which I loved. The tone and humor strike a great balance, offering plenty of banter and playful teasing without venturing too deeply into heavy emotional territory. It felt perfectly aligned with the story and genuinely refreshing. The easy back-and-forth jabs between Luke and Mia gave off strong rom-com energy and were such a joy to read.
Mia and Luke are both incredibly relatable in their emotions and inner monologues, making them easy to love. They’re exactly the kind of people I’d want to vacation with — funny, adventurous, and willing to push themselves to try new things, even when it scares them or takes them out of their comfort zone. Through their shared experiences, they gradually peel back the layers of each other’s pasts, hobbies, aspirations, and fears, while also discovering things about themselves that they’ve long ignored or brushed aside due to past struggles. Being with one another creates a safe space for growth, acknowledgment, and healing, which allows their appreciation and feelings for each other to develop naturally.
Throughout the book, you can clearly see their feelings steadily grow. While there is tension, it isn’t the fast-burning, restrained kind. Instead, it’s slow, steady, and openly acknowledged by both of them — tempered by mutual respect and a genuine desire not to push the other for answers. Rather than forcing clarity, they give each other the space to untangle their emotions and truly understand what they’re feeling. This approach makes the eventual payoff feel earned and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry never feels forced or awkward, which I really appreciated.
The main conflict stems from the temporary nature of their vacation and the question of whether what they’re building can become something more. I especially loved that the conflict didn’t rely on miscommunication. Instead, it focused on uncertainty — on not being used to love, on questioning whether they’re allowed to want it, and on wondering if the other person feels the same. Even better, this uncertainty isn’t dragged out unnecessarily. They address it quickly and maturely, as adults should, effectively diffusing the conflict before it becomes exhausting. What remains is the very real and relatable question of whether they can allow themselves this happiness given their circumstances.
The book ends on a sweet, warm note, with a charming epilogue that offers a small glimpse into the future.
Overall, this was a truly cute rom-com that did exactly what it set out to do: leave you smiling and feeling content. It’s the perfect summer read, but it also works wonderfully as a way to escape winter for a little while. Short, sweet, light, and cozy — this book was a delight, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future rom-coms by A.W. Gunn.
Book: Never Just a Fantasy
Genre: Rom-Com
Rating: 4⭐️
4/5 Relationships
4/5 Characters
4/5 Plot
3🌶
*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆
I didn’t do much research before picking up this book — I simply read the synopsis and jumped right in. I went in without any strong opinions or expectations, and honestly? I really liked it.
Set in the Caribbean, this story absolutely delivers on that summer-bubble vibe. While there are moments where the narrative dips into more serious territory, it largely remains lighthearted, which I loved. The tone and humor strike a great balance, offering plenty of banter and playful teasing without venturing too deeply into heavy emotional territory. It felt perfectly aligned with the story and genuinely refreshing. The easy back-and-forth jabs between Luke and Mia gave off strong rom-com energy and were such a joy to read.
Mia and Luke are both incredibly relatable in their emotions and inner monologues, making them easy to love. They’re exactly the kind of people I’d want to vacation with — funny, adventurous, and willing to push themselves to try new things, even when it scares them or takes them out of their comfort zone. Through their shared experiences, they gradually peel back the layers of each other’s pasts, hobbies, aspirations, and fears, while also discovering things about themselves that they’ve long ignored or brushed aside due to past struggles. Being with one another creates a safe space for growth, acknowledgment, and healing, which allows their appreciation and feelings for each other to develop naturally.
Throughout the book, you can clearly see their feelings steadily grow. While there is tension, it isn’t the fast-burning, restrained kind. Instead, it’s slow, steady, and openly acknowledged by both of them — tempered by mutual respect and a genuine desire not to push the other for answers. Rather than forcing clarity, they give each other the space to untangle their emotions and truly understand what they’re feeling. This approach makes the eventual payoff feel earned and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry never feels forced or awkward, which I really appreciated.
The main conflict stems from the temporary nature of their vacation and the question of whether what they’re building can become something more. I especially loved that the conflict didn’t rely on miscommunication. Instead, it focused on uncertainty — on not being used to love, on questioning whether they’re allowed to want it, and on wondering if the other person feels the same. Even better, this uncertainty isn’t dragged out unnecessarily. They address it quickly and maturely, as adults should, effectively diffusing the conflict before it becomes exhausting. What remains is the very real and relatable question of whether they can allow themselves this happiness given their circumstances.
The book ends on a sweet, warm note, with a charming epilogue that offers a small glimpse into the future.
Overall, this was a truly cute rom-com that did exactly what it set out to do: leave you smiling and feeling content. It’s the perfect summer read, but it also works wonderfully as a way to escape winter for a little while. Short, sweet, light, and cozy — this book was a delight, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future rom-coms by A.W. Gunn.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I normally prefer books written in the usual multiple POV style, however, I did very much enjoy this story. Not only was it a premise/scenario I haven't read before, it read like I was watching a movie and I loved watching the story of Luke and Mia unfold in this way.
Luke is simply sad and hoping for connection. Mia presents herself as confident, the fantasy men pay for but never keep and really see. I loved how Luke simply wanted to know the girl behind the persona, the act. What unfolds during their week in paradise is nothing short of a heartwarming, almost Hallmark moment. The ending felt just a tad rushed, and her overuse of "babe" got a bit annoying but I understand it's purpose after the fact. Overall a great light-hearted read.
Luke is simply sad and hoping for connection. Mia presents herself as confident, the fantasy men pay for but never keep and really see. I loved how Luke simply wanted to know the girl behind the persona, the act. What unfolds during their week in paradise is nothing short of a heartwarming, almost Hallmark moment. The ending felt just a tad rushed, and her overuse of "babe" got a bit annoying but I understand it's purpose after the fact. Overall a great light-hearted read.
January 1, 2026
What a sweet contemporary romance! This was such a quick, easy read that pulled me in from the start. I loved the glimpses of Jamaican culture woven throughout the story, along with the subtle symbolism sprinkled in along the way.
Both the FMC and MMC were incredibly lovable and relatable. Each carried their own life struggles, and watching them find their way to each other, and rediscover parts of themselves they’d lost along the journey, was truly heartwarming.
I really enjoyed this adorable romance. Thank you to A.W. Gunn for sending me his debut novel ARC to review! 🫶🏽
Release day is January 15, 2026, just in time to add it to your Valentine’s Day lineup 💕📚
Both the FMC and MMC were incredibly lovable and relatable. Each carried their own life struggles, and watching them find their way to each other, and rediscover parts of themselves they’d lost along the journey, was truly heartwarming.
I really enjoyed this adorable romance. Thank you to A.W. Gunn for sending me his debut novel ARC to review! 🫶🏽
Release day is January 15, 2026, just in time to add it to your Valentine’s Day lineup 💕📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
We all wear at mask of ourselves, some kind of wall that seems impenetrable. But when you meet that one person they can change all of that and not only really see you but make you see yourself. I love a good story that lets you watch the walls come down and the characters become vulnerable. If Richard Gere and Julia Roberts had a baby it would be this book. Move it to the top of your reading list and put yourself in the place that makes you search beneath the surface, and forces off the mask. You won't regret it. This beautifully written story if one that will sit with you for a while.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2026
A modern fairy tale with a heartbeat
This is the kind of romance that sweeps you up before you even realize it’s happening. It carries the charm of a new‑age Pretty Woman, where two people from different worlds collide and something unexpectedly tender begins to bloom.
The chemistry between the main characters is electric yet deeply human, and watching their love unfold feels like witnessing a spark grow into a warming flame. The pacing is quick without ever feeling rushed, the spice is just enough to make your pulse jump, and the writing is so smooth you barely notice the pages turning.
It’s heartfelt, addictive, and beautifully crafted. A story that leaves you smiling long after the final chapter. A true five‑star read.
This is the kind of romance that sweeps you up before you even realize it’s happening. It carries the charm of a new‑age Pretty Woman, where two people from different worlds collide and something unexpectedly tender begins to bloom.
The chemistry between the main characters is electric yet deeply human, and watching their love unfold feels like witnessing a spark grow into a warming flame. The pacing is quick without ever feeling rushed, the spice is just enough to make your pulse jump, and the writing is so smooth you barely notice the pages turning.
It’s heartfelt, addictive, and beautifully crafted. A story that leaves you smiling long after the final chapter. A true five‑star read.
January 11, 2026
⭐️- 4.5 Never Just a Fantasy is a sweet, contemporary romance between two lost souls who learn to find themselves again. It is a heart-felt slow burn romance full of the vulnerability of being truly seen, healing, and witty banter. I loved Luke and Mia & can’t wait for book 2 💕
January 18, 2026
This was such a sweet and cute novella. Luke and Mia were so sweet to one another in this. Once the fantasy wore off and it was genuinely just the two of them…it was wonderful. This was such a cozy little romance. I read it in one sitting.
December 1, 2025
Absolutely devoured this book! Such a beautifully crafted tale of two souls searching for themselves 🥹 I loved this one so much, the setting, the healing the kindness. So wonderfully cosy ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Never Just a Fantasy is a sweet, beautiful, emotional debut novella. It's a wonderful story about healing and finding yourself.
4⭐ 2 🌶️
Thank you A.W. Gunn for including me as an ARC reader!
4⭐ 2 🌶️
Thank you A.W. Gunn for including me as an ARC reader!
November 14, 2025
I wish they would let us at a .5 to our rating 😭. This book was a 4.5 for me. I loved it and I loved the way it made me feel. I smiled, laughed, even felt single 😭 and in the end it left me wondering so many things. In the end I felt happy, I was happy that they got their happy ever after and I hope this book gives you the same feelings it gave me. P.S I needed more to their story I need to know what they do next!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This book was such a cute little romance. It took me a little bit to get into. However, the ending and the love story absolutely adorable. I find myself wanting more of the characters story. I want to know what happens next, where do they go after finding love on a fairytale vacation. Absolutely recommend this book for a quick cutesy little love story. Thank you to the author for this ARC copy! This is my honest, voluntary review!
January 15, 2026
... and what a debut it is! This book has so much depth, yearning, tension, love, and acceptance. Couple all of this with a dash of spice and what more could you ask for.
Bravo. Truly BRA-VO!
All the feels with this book. I truly felt immersed in it. I felt like I was walking alongside Luke and Mia while they were on the beach. I could taste the pancakes and smell the island rain. It made me feel like I was in Jamaica with the beautiful descriptions.
Also the inner monologue was real and amusing!
Mia, a performer. Paid to be on vacation with Luke. Ready to put on a show, one she is all too familiar with until the curtains close, and the real Mia comes out. Unwillingly at first, might I add.
Luke, heartbroken and looking for companionship to mend his wound. He hires Mia, but who he really wants is the girl behind the curtains.
These two souls are lost and adrift until they find each other. The vulnerability, honesty, 6 versions of themselves are beautifully captured, and when they find acceptance in themselves and each other, they find a place to land and grow together.
Loved this slow burn romance, and will be looking out for the next installment!
Bravo. Truly BRA-VO!
All the feels with this book. I truly felt immersed in it. I felt like I was walking alongside Luke and Mia while they were on the beach. I could taste the pancakes and smell the island rain. It made me feel like I was in Jamaica with the beautiful descriptions.
Also the inner monologue was real and amusing!
Mia, a performer. Paid to be on vacation with Luke. Ready to put on a show, one she is all too familiar with until the curtains close, and the real Mia comes out. Unwillingly at first, might I add.
Luke, heartbroken and looking for companionship to mend his wound. He hires Mia, but who he really wants is the girl behind the curtains.
These two souls are lost and adrift until they find each other. The vulnerability, honesty, 6 versions of themselves are beautifully captured, and when they find acceptance in themselves and each other, they find a place to land and grow together.
Loved this slow burn romance, and will be looking out for the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sharing a trip meant for someone else with a cam girl to mend a broken heart? It all happens in Never Just A Fantasy.
Luke had the whole romantic trip to Jamaica planned - right down to the proposal. Then his girlfriend broke up with him. Heartbroken, he begins chatting to Mia, a cam girl…and pays for her to join him instead.
It’s a slightly different take on a fake dating trope, but it pays off. Mia and Luke’s relationship starts out super awkward and *felt* fake despite their obvious chemistry. But as their barriers came down and their true personalities emerged, it felt more natural.
My favourite part of the book was the location - a beach resort in Jamaica. The culture is almost a character in its own right and it made the book.
The story discusses Mia’s work as a cam girl with no judgement, but the choices she makes and her reasons may be triggering for some readers. It also deals with identities and the masks we wear for other people, and the vulnerability and fear involved in taking them off. It is a slow burn, open door novella.
There is great promise in this debut and I would certainly encourage fans of contemporary romance to give it a try.
Luke had the whole romantic trip to Jamaica planned - right down to the proposal. Then his girlfriend broke up with him. Heartbroken, he begins chatting to Mia, a cam girl…and pays for her to join him instead.
It’s a slightly different take on a fake dating trope, but it pays off. Mia and Luke’s relationship starts out super awkward and *felt* fake despite their obvious chemistry. But as their barriers came down and their true personalities emerged, it felt more natural.
My favourite part of the book was the location - a beach resort in Jamaica. The culture is almost a character in its own right and it made the book.
The story discusses Mia’s work as a cam girl with no judgement, but the choices she makes and her reasons may be triggering for some readers. It also deals with identities and the masks we wear for other people, and the vulnerability and fear involved in taking them off. It is a slow burn, open door novella.
There is great promise in this debut and I would certainly encourage fans of contemporary romance to give it a try.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓪 𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓼𝔂”
This is the kind of story I live for! It was soooo sweet and, in my opinion, the perfect debut. I absolutely adored the connection and chemistry between Mia + Luke!! 🥹
The plot was really unique. Mia gets paid to be on a vacation in Jamaica with Luke. She’s a performer, and he hired her, but he genuinely falls for the girl behind “Mia.”
Mia was such a relatable FMC. She’s hesitant to take her mask off and be herself, and I loved watching her grow as a character. And Luke? Omgosh. He was perfection, a heartbroken man who needed someone to help heal him. I loved them both so much! 💙
They truly saw each other for who they were and helped each other see themselves too. It was so beautiful!
A perfect, light-hearted, quick read with a HEA 🫶🏻
I’m so excited to see what happens in the next interconnected book!
Thank you to the author for the E-ARC,
All thoughts and opinions are my own!! 💌
This is the kind of story I live for! It was soooo sweet and, in my opinion, the perfect debut. I absolutely adored the connection and chemistry between Mia + Luke!! 🥹
The plot was really unique. Mia gets paid to be on a vacation in Jamaica with Luke. She’s a performer, and he hired her, but he genuinely falls for the girl behind “Mia.”
Mia was such a relatable FMC. She’s hesitant to take her mask off and be herself, and I loved watching her grow as a character. And Luke? Omgosh. He was perfection, a heartbroken man who needed someone to help heal him. I loved them both so much! 💙
They truly saw each other for who they were and helped each other see themselves too. It was so beautiful!
A perfect, light-hearted, quick read with a HEA 🫶🏻
I’m so excited to see what happens in the next interconnected book!
Thank you to the author for the E-ARC,
All thoughts and opinions are my own!! 💌
Review of advance copy received from Author
This contemporary romance carries clear Pretty Woman vibes while updating the story for a more modern, emotionally grounded love story. Set in Jamaica, it leans into a slow-burn connection that focuses less on fantasy and more on the people behind the masks.
One of the strongest elements of this book is watching Luke and Mia’s relationship unfold organically. The contrast between Mia’s curated online presence and who she really is in person added an interesting layer, and I appreciated that Luke was more drawn to the real, imperfect version of her.
Emotionally, this story felt sweet and sincere. The slow burn worked well for me overall, and I enjoyed sitting with the characters as they navigated vulnerability and attraction.
This was a cute, comforting read with a modern fairytale vibe. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven romance, emotional growth, and slow-burn love stories inspired by classic rom-coms.
One of the strongest elements of this book is watching Luke and Mia’s relationship unfold organically. The contrast between Mia’s curated online presence and who she really is in person added an interesting layer, and I appreciated that Luke was more drawn to the real, imperfect version of her.
Emotionally, this story felt sweet and sincere. The slow burn worked well for me overall, and I enjoyed sitting with the characters as they navigated vulnerability and attraction.
This was a cute, comforting read with a modern fairytale vibe. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven romance, emotional growth, and slow-burn love stories inspired by classic rom-coms.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Never Just a Fantasy is the story Luke, a honest guy trying to recover from heartbreak, and Mia, the woman Luke has only known through a screen.
This book was very enjoyable. Low angst. Sweet. Lots of healing. Real feelings and doubts from both Luke and Mia. Pretty Woman vibes.
I love Luke. Seriously a golden retriever MC. I honestly didn’t always get the reference when others used it, but I understand it here. He is so sweet, happy, and lovable.
“Doesn’t land for just anybody. Has to be earned.” This is my favorite line of the book. Yes, it very accurately describes Mia, but really hit home. Everyone should work for us to land and stay with them. ❤️
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a sweet, low angst story!
Never Just a Fantasy is the story Luke, a honest guy trying to recover from heartbreak, and Mia, the woman Luke has only known through a screen.
This book was very enjoyable. Low angst. Sweet. Lots of healing. Real feelings and doubts from both Luke and Mia. Pretty Woman vibes.
I love Luke. Seriously a golden retriever MC. I honestly didn’t always get the reference when others used it, but I understand it here. He is so sweet, happy, and lovable.
“Doesn’t land for just anybody. Has to be earned.” This is my favorite line of the book. Yes, it very accurately describes Mia, but really hit home. Everyone should work for us to land and stay with them. ❤️
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a sweet, low angst story!
January 15, 2026
This was such a cute and light read. I’m not a huge fan of slow burns but this one was different. Something about the way “Mia” put on her curated persona did it. She was cool and confident and I loved that for her but you could tell there was more behind her! And that’s the real person she wanted the world to see. And lucky for her, Luke was that person. Sure, it started as a fantasy but in reality Luke knew all along that there was more behind Mia. He saw the things she thought no one else saw. They both wanted to be seen beyond their exterior and all it took was a week away together to see it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Luke and Mia meet at an airport, where Luke hires Mia to join him on a trip in hopes of escaping his past and healing his broken heart. While Luke is open and eager to connect, Mia remains guarded, keeping her emotions hidden. As the journey continues, both characters slowly begin to change.
This is a slow-burn story with little to no spice, focusing on emotional healing and character growth. The author’s descriptive writing makes it easy to imagine every scene. Although I usually prefer multiple POVs, I really enjoyed this book and appreciated the development of both characters.
This is a slow-burn story with little to no spice, focusing on emotional healing and character growth. The author’s descriptive writing makes it easy to imagine every scene. Although I usually prefer multiple POVs, I really enjoyed this book and appreciated the development of both characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very sweet book, I loved Luke and Mia’s chemistry. I felt like their souls were connected. This book is definitely a feel good book, I would say it is lacking in conflict for my general taste of books however if you are looking to read a sweet romance book with a HEA this should be your pick. :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️ This was super cute, and the writing was great, especially for a debut author, but the story was a bit underdeveloped to me. We just got thrown right in without any backstory for our MCs, and I think having a bit more of their story would have helped them feel more substantial as characters. That being said, this was a fun, easy little vacation read!
January 22, 2026
Mia & Luke
A unique romance that starts out in an unusual way. Luke and Mia both have their own self doubts, that I believe led them to this unusual arrangement. But life happens when you are making other plans, and this story is a good romance.
I Loved It!!! I Recommend!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A unique romance that starts out in an unusual way. Luke and Mia both have their own self doubts, that I believe led them to this unusual arrangement. But life happens when you are making other plans, and this story is a good romance.
I Loved It!!! I Recommend!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2026
A heartfelt, slow-burn romance that explores vulnerability, trust, and the courage to be truly seen. Never Just a Fantasy captures the messy beauty of real connection behind carefully curated façades.
February 5, 2026
Luke is heartbroken and he still has a week-long trip planned to Jamaica. He decides to not go alone and he has Mia come with him. Mia is strong and positive. She is always so sure of herself and it’s because she made herself to be that way.
During the vacation, they both begin to see the real person behind the mask. They banter like they have known each other forever and are really finding the real them in these moments.
Never Just A Fantasy was a slow burn romance with a lot of banter and self-reflection. Once the layers are pulled back, Mia and Luke begin to see that the reality is just as good as the fantasy!
If you’re looking for something you may not necessarily always drift towards right away read Never Just A Fantasy. You will be in love!
During the vacation, they both begin to see the real person behind the mask. They banter like they have known each other forever and are really finding the real them in these moments.
Never Just A Fantasy was a slow burn romance with a lot of banter and self-reflection. Once the layers are pulled back, Mia and Luke begin to see that the reality is just as good as the fantasy!
If you’re looking for something you may not necessarily always drift towards right away read Never Just A Fantasy. You will be in love!
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