Selfless Love

Secret Trials #2

by Giuliana Victoria

Adhira Shah wants a soft place to land after graduation—a place untouched by truths of a diagnosis she isn’t ready to face.
More than anything, she needs a roommate who won't ask questions.

Elijah Elliott is supposed to be exactly that.
*Until he starts to notice everything.*

When Adhira’s body begins betraying her in ways she can no longer hide, Elijah sees the truth she’s been carrying alone. And for the first time, she realizes that with him, she doesn’t have to pretend she’s okay.

What grows between them is tender and unspoken—built in late nights, careful touches, and a closeness neither of them knows how to name.

Because falling in love when your future feels fragile is terrifying.
And sometimes, the gentlest love is the most devastating of all.

A Roommates to Lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, Blushing Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat FMC Rugby Romance with Hurt/Comfort.

Genres: Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Sports Romance, Romance, Sports

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 26, 2026

About the author

Giuliana Victoria is an author based in Pennsylvania who shares her readers’ deep love of all things romance. She’s a full-time physician assistant, whose passion lies in being there for her patients during their most vulnerable moments.

When Giuliana isn’t writing swoon-worthy book boyfriends, she can be found yelling about human rights on Threads, hiking with her three large breed rescue dogs, and, of course, curled up with a good book beside her husband, the best “book boyfriend” there is.

Reviews

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

Giuliana Victoria gave me EVERYTHING I expected from this book and so much more! I loved how Adhira & Elijah broke my heart, how well they fit together despite being so different, and how beautiful they are in their own way, I really enjoyed reading about them falling in love, crying together, and finding their safe haven in each other. I also loved reading about both groups of friends, the new characters the author included in this story, and how they also broke my heart. I think it's safe to say this will be my favorite book of March unless something truly extraordinary happens.

Adhira is my favorite of this group of friends!! Her past and present are sad and tragic, and although it broke my heart to read about her facing her illness alone, I can also completely understand the reasons behind her decisions, and I loved the direction her journey took, the beautiful and sincere friendship Adhira found in Archie, and how important this character was to her and Elijah. I also have to say that I absolutely LOVED this woman's personality, I really liked that her neurodivergence is seen as normal and appreciated by the people who love Adhira, but that it also shows us her struggles to fit into this world that doesn't always understand her, I loved her sincere side, the way she uses her humor to get through difficult times, and even the way she tries with all her might not to let more people into her life and to protect those she loves from everything she's going through. Another thing I thoroughly enjoyed was reading about the girls through Adhira's eyes: I loved seeing Elise, Chelsea, and Letty, how she goes to extraordinary lengths to protect them, and how all these girls love each other so much.

Elijah is one of the best male characters I've ever read. His backstory is absolutely heartbreaking: it was so sad to read about how he's always felt alone, how he feels he constantly has to prove his worth, and how he never stops worrying about his mom and sisters' well-being. I enjoyed learning how important his coach is to him too and the twist the author gave to this part of his story. I loved reading about his adorable personality, how he blushes constantly, and how he always tries to be there for his sisters, even though he has complex feelings about all the responsibilities he had to take on at such a young age. Another thing I loved about this book was reading about Elijah finding support and love in Jay, Rafael & Nakoa, and the funniest moments in their group chat.

Elijah & Adhira have an incredible journey in this book. There are painful moments, of course, BUT I want to focus on the beauty of this couple: I loved how they went from roommates trying to avoid each other, to being the most loyal friends to one of the most beautiful couples I've ever read about. I LOVED the way Elijah picks up on the signs of what Adhira is going through, how he goes to great lengths to support her, noticing every detail about her, her personality, and how he does the sweetest things for her. I also loved reading about Elijah becoming Adhira's safe place, the way she grows throughout the story thanks to his unconditional support and the sweet way he always understands her.

❤️‍🩹Adhira: 5/5
🦋Elijah: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Plot: 5/5
🦋Love story: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Secondary characters: 5/5
🦋Universe: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

Giuliana Victoria me dio TODO lo que esperaba de este libro y mucho más! Me encantó la manera en la que Adhira & Elijah rompieron mi corazón, como encajan tan bien a pesar de ser tan diferentes y lo hermosos que son a su manera, disfruté mucho leerlos enamorarse, llorar juntos y encontrar su lugar seguro en el otro. Además, me encantó leer a ambos grupos de amigos, a los personajes nuevos que la autora incluyo en esta historia, y con los que también me rompió el corazón, y creo que es seguro decir que éste será mi libro favorito de Marzo a menos que algo realmente extraordinario pase.

Adhira es mi favorita de este grupo de amigas!! su pasado y su presente son tristes y trágicos, y aunque me rompió el corazón leerla afrontando su enfermedad sola también puedo entender por completo el porque de sus decisiones y me encantó la dirección que tomó su viaje, la amistad tan hermosa y sincera que Adhira encontró en Archie y lo importante que fue este personaje para ella y Elijah. También tengo que decir que AMÉ con locura la personalidad de esta mujer, me gustó mucho que su neurodivergecia sea vista con normalidad y apreciada por las personas que aman a Adhira, pero que también nos muestre sus luchas para encajar en este mundo que no siempre la entiende, amé su lado sincero, la manera en la que usa su humor para atravesar por momentos difíciles e incluso la manera en la que intentan con todas sus fuerzas no dejar entrar a más personas en su vida y proteger a los que ama de todo lo que ella está pasando. Otra cosa que disfruté enormemente fue leer a las chicas a través de los ojos de Ashira: me gustó mucho saber cómo ve a Elise, Chelsea & Letty, como hace hasta lo imposible para protegerlas y la manera en la que todas estas chicas se aman la una a la otra.

Elijah es uno de los mejores personajes masculinos que he leído. Su historia personal es absolutamente desgarradora: fue muy triste leer como siempre se ha sentido solo, como cree que tiene que probar su valor constantemente y como nunca deja de preocuparse por el bienestar de su mamá y hermanas, también me gustó mucho saber lo importante que su entrenador es para él y el giro que la autora le dio a esta parte de su historia. También disfruté mucho leyendo su personalidad tierna, la manera en la que se sonroja constantemente y como busca siempre estar ahí para sus hermanas, aún cuando tiene sentimientos complejos por todas las responsabilidades que tuvo que asumir siendo tan joven. Otra cosa que me encantó de este libro fue leer a Elijah encontrando apoyo y amor en Jay, Rafael & Nakoa y dándome los momentos más divertidos en su chat grupal.

Elijah & Adhira tienen un viaje increíble en este libro, hay momentos dolorosos, por supuesto, PERO quiero concentrarme en lo hermoso de esta pareja: me encantó que fueran de compañeros de casa que trataban de evitarse, a ser los amigos más incondicionales a ser una de las parejas más hermosas que he leído jamás. AMÉ la manera en la que Elijah identifica las señales de lo que Adhira está viviendo, como hace hasta lo imposible para apoyarla, nota cada uno de los detalles sobre ella, su personalidad y como tiene los detalles más lindos hacia ella. También me encantó leer a Elijah convirtiéndose en el lugar seguro de Adhira, la manera en la que ella crece a lo largo de la historia gracias al apoyo incondicional que él le da y la manera tan dulce en la que siempre la entiende.

❤️‍🩹Adhira: 5/5
🦋Elijah: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Trama: 5/5
🦋Historia de amor: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🦋Universo: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

[Nina Boyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a free eARC from the author. All reviews and opinions are my own. Thank you for allowing me to read this book early!
Selfless Love by Giuliana Victoria
Release date: 03/26/2026
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Spice: 2/5 chili peppers
Review (spoiler warning!):
I really wanted to like this book, but it was really “just okay” for me. It was described as a slow burn and complicated romance book but it didn’t really fulfill that listing for me. The complications are there: Adhira has cancer and has anxiety and trust issues due to the early death of her brother, while Elijah has anxiety and was severely parentified due to his mother’s own cancer and his father’s absence. So in short, the characters are very complicated and layered characters.
I appreciated this detail and nuance because they were very realistic! They are layered and complex with their own rich lives outside of their romance. That being said, I found both of them slightly annoying. Adhira refuses to tell her friends and family about her diagnosis due to her fear and her past trauma, so she lies to them constantly. But, she also makes a point to frequently mention how much she hates lying in general. This dual nature gets very annoying very quickly and makes it hard to like Adhira as a reader. This is not helped by her standoffish/naturally awkward personality, which often led to me being very irritated with her whilst reading. Elijah is equally confusing. He is very anxious and worries a lot about the people around him. This would be charming and considerate, if it weren’t for the fact that he refuses to confide about his fears to anyone. He talks around his issues but never directly addresses them with friends or family. To me, made his chapters incredibly frustrating to read, and he was very unlikable at points. Overall, a rough start for me.
Next, I thought this would be a slow burn romance. I LOVE slow burn and I was looking forward to seeing these two tease out their best parts and confront their fears together before really jumping into the traditional romance plotlines. Unfortunately, that is not what happened. The first third of the book, Adhira is borderline hostile to Elijah and he cowers in fear whenever in her proximity. It is only after he confronts her and pesters her about her obvious illness that she stops being openly rude to him. Note: she doesn’t become very friendly or sweet after this point. She just treats him like the friend of a friend. Once Adhira begins to be cordial with him, Elijah falls in insta-love and cannot help but sing her praises. This immediately gave me the ick. Elijah is a very anxious person with generally low-self esteem, so the abrupt transition from fear and avoidance of Adhira to insta-love after she is polite to him feels very problematic. It was a really weird dynamic and made their budding romance hard to support as the book progressed.
This feeling only intensified as I continued to read the book. Their romance felt more like a begrudging domestic partnership. They both have so much going on in their lives that they cling to each other for any sense of control and normalcy. Elijah’s mother relies on him for everything, so when he is completely burnt out after parenting for her, Adhira sweeps in and makes him feel “normal”. Adhira refuses to tell literally anyone about her diagnosis, so when treatment gets tough and she’s barely surviving, Elijah sweeps in and takes care of her completely (cooking, cleaning, emotional labor, etc.) I’m sure someone would find this romantic, but to me, it felt like two castaways trapped on a deserted island struggling to survive. Their individual lives are so chaotic that they date to have any sense of normalcy and control.
In short, this book feels more like a drama rather than a romance. Everything is always going wrong with the two main characters, so they cling to each other to create a sense of “normal”. It is very rich in drama, but it didn’t feel romantic. I wish the book had less personal drama (maybe Adhira didn’t have a dead brother, just normal over-worried parents, maybe Elijah’s mom didn’t have cancer and was just a harried single mother instead, etc.) so it had no room to develop the romance. By the time I parsed through all of the personal drama, I was so burnt out and exhausted emotionally that I couldn’t care about their romance at all. They have way too much on their respective plates for a new romance to be feasible or advisable. I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it is not for me.

[drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

This book is the physical embodiment of "to be loved is to be known" and was one of the most precious romances I have read this year. It was heavy and emotional, but also incredibly touching and heartfelt. I never wanted it to end.

This is only the second book I've read by this author, but it's become clear to me that she is so thoughtful with the work she puts into writing her characters and making sure they are being accurately represented. The attention to detail she put into writing Adhira, not only as a woman of color but also as someone dealing with cancer, was beautifully written. Her books are a masterclass in writing outside of your own lived experience with the respect and care it deserves.

Until I read the author's note, I didn't really know what I was getting into. Adhira gets diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the start of the story and a large part of this is her journey through treatments and how she, initially, tries to do it all on her own. It's raw, scary, and gut wrenching, but the light through it all is our mmc, Elijah. One of the most earnest, generous, compassionate men I have ever read. The way he cared for Adhira and slowly moved his way into her heart was everything.

Elijah was such a multi faceted mmc. On the outside, he's this giant rugby player with thick thighs and slutty little glasses but on the inside, he's incredibly bashful, a lover of romance novels, and the best big brother to two little girls who absolutely adore him. He had such a pure heart and it killed me knowing how much of himself he sacrificed to take care of others around him above his own self. I'm glad he eventually prioritized his own needs and found someone like Adhira to make sure he made that a priority. He was such a good man who was so observant. He knew Adhira inside and out and was constantly making the world around her a little easier to muster. We all could only dream of being loved that way.

Adhira also had a lot of layers to her. Her snark and deadpan (often times dark) humor instantly endeared me to her. I love that she never minced her words and was always so direct. She could come off as cold, but I think the more we learned about her, the easier it is to see that there's nothing cold about her. Her warmth is saved for the people she loves and she just shows it in a different way. Watching her go through her cancer treatments and the way the fear of the unknown consumed her was a punch to the gut. I'm so happy she eventually let Elijah in because she deserved all of the love that he was more than willing to give her.

Their romance was a slowww burn that was truly built on such a strong foundation of friendship that consisted of them truly knowing each other. I loved the conversations in this when it came to sexuality and mental health, specifically just how candidly both Elijah and Adhira communicated to each other about all of it. They were so open and vulnerable and it allowed their friendship to blossom into the most beautiful romance.

As I mentioned, this was an emotionally heavy, gut wrenching read. There's a lot of moments that were hard to read about and other moments that had me sobbing in the middle of the day. There was also happy tears, too though! It's a book that'll definitely put your emotions through the wringer, but it is worth it for such a hard-earned, beautiful happy ever after.

I loved this so much. Highly, highly recommend, but please check the trigger warnings and take the time to read the author's note that was crafted with such thoughtfulness.

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adhira has just been diagnosed with cancer and the last thing she wants is to become a burden to the people she loves. Determined to handle it on her own terms, she keeps her emotional distance even while living with her new roommate, Elijah. But living together has a way of breaking down walls and as Elijah slowly becomes her safe place, Adhira struggles with what she feels she’s able to give in return and whether love is something she can allow herself while facing everything ahead.

“Adhira Shah has become my whole damn centre of gravity.”

Can I just start off by saying that this book truly lived up to its title because this really was the epitome selfless love. The romance wasn’t the sole focus to me, it was about building the kind of relationship that feels supportive, genuine, and deeply real. The romance felt like the cherry on top of something already so so so beautiful. It is a slow burn, so fair warning, but speaking as someone who usually struggles with slow burns…THIS is exactly how it should be done. I was genuinely enamoured while reading this cause the way their relationship developed felt natural and earned, and Giuliana deserves MAJOR credit for creating something so thoughtful!

I’m saying it now, Elijah is THAT MAN. Kind, respectful, emotionally intelligent…just a genuinely good human being and exactly what Adhira needed. Add on that to the fact that he reads romance books like Kath Richards? Sold, take my heart Elijah, it’s yours to keep! He had such strong gentle giant energy, mixed with cinnamon roll and a little cuteness aggression that made him impossible not to love. But he also balanced that softness with extreme sexiness that left me panting.

“I just want to be here for you, however you need me.”

And Adhira…WOW WOW WOW. This girl was everything! What I loved the most about her was that even while facing so much pain and uncertainty, she never lost her personality. Her humor, her quirks, her strength were still so present and it made her feel so real and dynamic. I especially appreciated that she also became a support for Elijah, this wasn’t a onesided dynamic or some kind of trauma bond or caretaker story. It was two people showing up for each other and I was an absolute stan for it.

There were so many soft moments that just melted my heart, if I had to list them we’d be here all day. But the orca facts, the quiet scenes of just nesting on the couch between them, and the way the touch aversion storyline was handled with so much care were all done beautifully. Their friend group was also incredible, I loved them in the first book and I loved them even more here because the love and support between them through hard times made the whole story feel even more special.

“You are all the good parts of every day and every situation.”

You can really tell this book was written with care. Giuliana clearly put so much thought and research into every detail and I really appreciated that cause it showed. As a person of colour, I always find that representation is usually done in a weird, disbalanced, sometimes even stereotypical way that it turns me off. Not here though, the multicultural elements were included so naturally that they never felt forced or performative or like they were checking boxes. Everything flowed organically, which made the story feel even more authentic. Huge shoutout Giuliana for putting this wonderful book out there, it was a true masterpiece that made me laugh, cry (ugly cry), and love alongside Adhira and Elijah.

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever come across a romance quite like this one. From the very first pages, Adhira’s world shifts when she learns she has cancer, and instead of leaning on others, her instinct is to shoulder it alone. Watching her try to navigate that diagnosis while insisting on her independence was both painful and powerful.

Circumstances lead her to needing a roommate, and through mutual friends Elijah ends up moving in. What starts as a strictly practical arrangement slowly transforms into something deeply meaningful. Adhira keeps her distance at first, guarding herself in every possible way, but Elijah meets her exactly where she is. Their friendship unfolds gradually, built on quiet understanding and small, intentional moments that feel incredibly real.

Adhira is a standout heroine. She’s neurodivergent, sensitive to certain sounds, uncomfortable with physical contact, and unapologetically direct. The way she processes the world is beautifully portrayed—honest, sometimes blunt, but deeply authentic. I loved that she’s demisexual as well; it added another thoughtful layer to her character and to the way their romance develops. Her journey through treatment is heartbreaking at times, yet there’s so much resilience in her growth.

Elijah is equally refreshing. He’s not your typical larger-than-life romance hero. He struggles with anxiety, blushes easily, and has little experience with intimacy before Adhira. A rugby player who also enjoys pottery? That contrast alone made him memorable. What truly sets him apart, though, is how attentive he is. He notices Adhira’s discomforts without needing explanations and adapts himself in subtle ways to make her feel safe. There’s a tenderness to him that never feels performative—just steady and genuine.

Their relationship is the definition of slow burn—painfully slow in the best possible way. Normally, that pacing isn’t my favorite, but here it worked. The buildup felt organic, with plenty of charged moments and simmering tension long before anything official happened between them. When the romance finally deepens, it feels earned. The chemistry is rooted in friendship, trust, and those tiny gestures that end up meaning everything.

Giuliana has a remarkable ability to write about illness and disability with care. The story doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of cancer, yet it also highlights community, strength, and the support systems that carry people through the worst days. That balance makes the narrative feel authentic rather than purely tragic.

If I had to nitpick, I would have loved to witness more direct conversations—especially when Adhira tells Elijah and her parents about her diagnosis. Those moments are referenced more than shown, and seeing the dialogue play out could have added even more emotional weight. There’s also a scene where Elijah leaves a match to find her that stretched believability a bit for me, even if his concern was undeniably swoon-worthy.

The side characters deserve their flowers too—Archie absolutely steals scenes and brings warmth and humor when it’s needed most.

This book carries emotional heaviness, but it’s wrapped in hope, devotion, and beautifully layered character work. Adhira and Elijah’s journey from roommates to each other’s safe place is tender, intense, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of love story that lingers long after you close the final page.

[Jessica Roose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book was so unique and beautiful. I truly haven’t read another book like this. It follows Adhira, who right off the bat finds out she has cancer and is struggling with that new reality and wanting to fight it all on her own. She ends up needing a roommate and through friends Elijah ends up being a good fit and moves in. She keeps him at arms length at first but they slowly become friends, and eventually so much more.
I thought that both of their characters were unique and different from what you see in most romance books. Adhira is neurodivergent and processes things different than other people. She also doesn’t like touch and certain noises. Elijah picks up on so many of these things without her even telling him and adjusts how he is around her to make her more comfortable. This quote from the book perfectly sums up how he was with her and I just loved it.

“There’s nothing about you that needs to be changed to better suit the world around you,” he continues. “One day, you’ll see that you’re not a template. You’re the finished product.”

He was just perfect. He himself isn’t what you would normally see as an MMC in a romance. He has anxiety, and never really had the desire for intimacy, until he met Adhira. I just loved watching them grow as friends and then blossom into being each others everything and being so comfortable with each other. This was a very slow burn- which I typically am not a huge fan of. But it was done in a way that made sense and there was several moments where you felt the tension and had a little spice before they even got together. So it definitely didn’t feel like it was dragging out.

There was only a few minor things I wished had been different. I would have liked to see more actual dialogue when she finally told Elijah and her parents about her diagnosis. But in both instances it was kind of just brushed over and we just see her inner dialogue as she said something about telling them everything and how they reacted. I also thought that a scene where left a match to go find her was a bit far fetched. While I loved that he was concerned about her, I can’t imagine a coach being ok with just letting a player leave like that.

I was given an arc copy to review this book but this is my honest opinion. I’ve never read a book by this author before but I am definitely going to look for others!

Also on that note- this is the second in the series but I have not read the first book. But it was a great standalone and I never felt lost or like I was missing something.

[Jasmine Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books don't just tell you a love story; they show you what love actually looks like when it's tested. Selfless Love does exactly that, and it does it beautifully.

At its heart, this is a sunshine-meets-grumpy romance done right. Elijah radiates the kind of warmth that makes you wonder how anyone could keep him at arm's length, and yet Adhira manages it, right up until she can't anymore. Their slow burn is built on something deeper than stolen glances and witty banter; it's built on genuine friendship first, which makes every step forward feel completely earned. You're not just rooting for them to fall in love. You're rooting for them to choose each other.

When Adhira's cancer can no longer stay hidden, the story shifts into something extraordinary. Her instinct to go through treatment alone — to disappear into her struggle rather than let her crew carry any part of it — is quietly devastating. It's frustrating and completely human all at once. Anyone who has ever felt like a burden to the people they love will recognize that impulse instantly.

What Elijah does next is what sets this book apart. He doesn't wrap Adhira in cotton wool or reduce her to her diagnosis. He shows up fully, treating her like the whole, capable person she is and not a patient, not a tragedy, just Adhira. It's a subtle distinction, but the author handles it with such care that it hits harder than any grand gesture could.

There's also a quietly powerful undercurrent running through Elijah's arc: this time, while caring for someone else, he's finally learning to care for himself too. It gives the story unexpected depth and keeps it from ever feeling one-sided in its emotional weight.

And the HEA? Completely, absolutely worth every slow, aching page it took to get there.
A love story that's pure, patient, and profoundly human.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selfless Love by Giuliana Victoria completely broke my heart in the most beautiful way. This story felt so intimate and emotional that it honestly stayed with me long after I finished the last page.

Adhira is such a deeply relatable character. She is trying to move forward with her life after graduation while quietly carrying the weight of a diagnosis she is not ready to face. Her vulnerability felt so real. You can feel the fear, the uncertainty, and the loneliness that comes with trying to pretend everything is fine when it clearly is not.

Elijah was the kind of character who slowly sneaks into your heart. He starts out as the roommate who is not supposed to ask questions, but the way he begins to notice the little things about Adhira shows how naturally caring and attentive he is. Watching him see through the walls she built around herself was incredibly touching. His quiet support and patience made their connection feel authentic and deeply emotional.

What I loved most about this book was the tenderness between them. Their relationship grows in small moments and quiet understanding rather than grand gestures. Late night conversations, soft touches, and the comfort of simply being seen created such a beautiful and delicate love story. It felt raw and honest in a way that made every moment hit even harder.

This book explores love, vulnerability, fear, and the fragility of life with so much heart. It is the kind of story that reminds you how powerful it is to have someone stand beside you when everything feels uncertain. Selfless Love is emotional, heartfelt, and incredibly moving.

This was easily a five star read for me and one I will not forget anytime soon. If you enjoy deeply emotional romances that focus on connection, quiet strength, and love that shows up when it matters most, this is absolutely a book you need to experience.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - March 26, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- roommates to lovers
- chronic illness rep
- he falls first
- caretaking hero
- slow burn romance
- emotional healing
- found family vibes

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Adhira, a strong but emotionally guarded girl fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma in secret. She hides her illness from almost everyone because she believes love only makes loss more painful. Then Elijah, her quiet, protective rugby-playing roommate, slowly becomes the one person who refuses to leave. What starts as shared space turns into shared strength. Through chemo sessions, hospital scares, career pressure, and emotional breakdowns, they learn that love is not about saving someone. It is about staying.
This book broke me in the softest way.
Adhira felt so real. Her fear of depending on someone, her need to protect everyone by pushing them away, her quiet strength. I saw so much vulnerability in her and it hurt beautifully.
And Elijah is steady. Calm. Protective without being controlling. The way he stayed during the ugliest moments, hospital nights, chemo sickness, emotional shutdowns. That kind of love feels rare.
The slow burn was perfect. Nothing rushed. Every touch meant something. Every small moment felt earned. Their intimacy was emotional first and that made it even more powerful.
I loved the chronic illness representation. It was not romanticized. It showed fear, weakness, anger, exhaustion. But it also showed hope and resilience.
The writing felt tender and mature. It focused on healing instead of drama. The love story was not about grand gestures. It was about choosing each other daily.
This is not just a romance. It is about allowing yourself to be loved even when you are scared of losing everything.
This book will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you so much happily booked pr for the free ARC!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚ARC Review📚

📖Selfless Love- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💜 “There’s nothing about you that needs to be changed to better suit the world around you,” he continues. “One day, you’ll see that you’re not a template. You’re the finished product.”💜

Y’all this freaking book 🥹

Cancer is a word I learned very early in life and unfortunately have heard it what feels like everyday since. My grandmother and mother were both diagnosed prior to their 32nd birthdays, I myself have a BRCA 1 mutation, like I said so familiar it’s literally a part of who I am. The care and time Giuliana very obviously put into this book and its characters blew me away. I feel like I related to feelings had by almost every character in this book at one point or another and it just made me feel so seen and understood.

Elijah is now my absolute favorite MMC Giuliana has written to date! The way this man pays attention and not just to the obvious but the little things 🥹 The eldest child caretaker in me saw so much of myself in Elijah. I loved how Adhira, let him care for her but was also conscious of making sure he knew she wanted him but didn’t need him, sometimes it’s just nice to be wanted not needed and that was beautiful to me. Elijah embracing all the things that made Adhira who she was, even when it went against his natural instincts just showed how perfect he is and I will accept no criticism of him!

I had all the feels with this one, I laughed out loud, read parts to my husband, and sobbed a little bit so it obviously could get nothing other than a 5 star rating. Giuliana I adore you and am so freaking proud of you and this book 💜

💜Pro-Rugby Player X Future PA
🐳Found Family
💜Grumpy (Her) X Sunshine (Him)
🐳Roommates to Lovers
💜Hurt/Comfort
🐳Slow Burn

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adhira siempre ha tenido claro el rumbo de su vida hasta que un diagnóstico inesperado cambia cada uno de sus planes. Decidida a proteger a quienes ama, elige enfrentar la enfermedad en silencio mientras intenta conservar una apariencia de normalidad durante sus últimos meses de estabilidad. Rodeada de sus amigas y de un futuro profesional ahora incierto, aprende a convivir con el miedo, la pérdida de control y la necesidad de aceptar ayuda aunque le resulte casi imposible.

Elijah vive bajo una presión distinta. Como jugador de rugby, carga con responsabilidades económicas y emocionales que no le permiten fallar. Su vida gira alrededor del esfuerzo constante y la exigencia personal, hasta que su camino se cruza con el de Adhira. Lo que comienza como una conexión inesperada evoluciona lentamente hacia algo profundo, construido con paciencia, vulnerabilidad y confianza. Mientras ambos enfrentan batallas personales, descubren que amar también implica quedarse cuando todo duele y aprender a sostener al otro sin perderse a sí mismos.


__


Lo amé. Amé la historia, los personajes, la amistad, el romance, todo fue glorioso. Fue doloroso, muy doloroso por lo que recomiendo poner atención a las advertencias de contenido por los temas que se manejan.
Me encantaron los 3 epílogos, pero mi favorito fue el último porque después de todo lo que pasaron se necesitaba saber que fue de ellos 40 años después. Es todo lo que diré porque no quiero dar mas spoilers.


Gracias Giuliana por el ARC.

Una recomendación: tengan a la mano pañuelos porque lloraran de tristeza y de felicidad.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review

Unfortunately I did not have as much time to read as I normally would for the last two weeks. Fortunately this was probably the perfect book to be reading for that to happen, because no matter how many times I had to stop reading I was able to pick it back up and get right back into Adhira and Elijah’s story.

One of my favorite things added to romance books is when one of them gets sick and the other is taking care of them. Now I’ve never read a book where a character has cancer or any other illness that’s needs treatment though the whole book, but I am so glad I requested this ARC and got a chance to experience their story. And that’s because this book was the caretaking trope to the absolute MAX. It’s very slow burn for the actual romance, but the way Elijah was taking care of Adhira from the very beginning was so admirable. His motive might have been that he was attracted to her from first sight, but all he wanted was to be her friend and help her any way he possibly could.

Now Elijah was very upfront with how he wanted to be around Adhira, but she was a little more understandably distant. Even with that distance she would try and show appreciation in smaller ways, like leaving little origami notes and even etching designs on bookmarks for the romance books he reads.

My one thing is that it was a little long for a book that seems to take place mostly in their apartment, but when you think back on everything, there is nothing that I could think of that wasn’t important to their story.

Edit: I forgot to add I love the FMC demisexuality rep and the MC being in his mid 20s and inexperienced.

[Vicky Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
1.5 🌶️

This book means more to me than I can fully put into words. It’s not just a romance, it’s a story about hope, resilience, and choosing to love even when it would be easier not to. You can feel the care poured into every single page, not just for these characters, but for the weight of the story being told.

I’ll be honest, early 2000s cancer movies emotionally wrecked me, so I went into this a little guarded. But knowing this author, and after reading the foreword, I trusted that we were in good hands. And I am so incredibly grateful that I stayed, because this story gave me something I didn’t even realize I needed.

I don’t even know how to properly talk about these characters because they felt that real to me. Their relationship builds so slowly and so intentionally that, for once, I didn’t want to rush a single moment. I wanted to sit in it, to feel every step of it. Watching them go from strangers, to friends, to something deeper, to soulmates was done with so much care that it honestly felt like an honor to witness.

And the found family in this book? Absolutely everything. The way both the men and the women show up for each other, support each other, and choose each other over and over again was one of the most beautiful parts of the story. There’s so much effort and intention behind every relationship, and even in the hardest moments, there’s still humor, warmth, and love. The way they hold space for each other without resentment, even when faced with incredibly difficult choices, just made it all feel even more real and meaningful.

This book balances heavy topics with softness in a way that feels almost impossible to pull off, but it does it so effortlessly. Even in the moments that had tears in my eyes, I still felt this overwhelming sense of comfort and hope.

I could probably write a full dissertation on this book, but 163 highlights later… just read it. This story felt like a warm hug and a hot cup of tea all at once. And even in the heavier moments, I was just so grateful to be there with them.

I received this book as an ARC.

[Amanda Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selfless Love by Giuliana Victoria

🏉🥼🏉🥼🏉

Please check the trigger warnings for this book; it contains heavy topics, and while I want everyone to read it, please ensure you will be okay to do so.

You know, when you recommend a book that you love and at the same time explain how much it made you cry? This is that book, and I will be shouting “READ IT” from the rooftops.

The way Giuliana makes you feel every ounce of emotion is phenomenal, and I love her for it with tears streaming down my face. Adhira feels everything in her own way, and her idea to try and do it all before letting others in is something I do myself. I knew what it was about going in, but reading it written so well, I felt like I was with Adhira during all of her treatments. Seeing her open up to Elijah and experiencing her feelings for the first time was heartwarming. I also learned a lot about orcas, which is pretty cool too.

Elijah Elliott is a man to be protected at all costs, and with the help of the thigh daddies and the amazing group of girls, he will be—especially by his princess. His devotion to his family is everything; seeing him love them so fiercely while also knowing how much he needs his routine to maintain some sense of control is great to see in books.

What I wasn’t ready for was to fall in love with a side character and then be absolutely blindsided by the author, which is really my own fault—I should have seen it coming.
The Secret Trials series is only two books in, and I cannot wait for the next ones already. I love this group so much.

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Giuliana for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Selfless Love;
-Roommates x Lovers
-Rugby Romance
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Slow Burn
-Found Family

This is book two of the Secret Trials series! You get to follow Adhira and Elijah! Elijah has been through a lot in his life being the backbone of his family. Adhira just got life changing news and her biggest goal is to keep it a secret. Grab your tissues because I think this book just became my favorite Giuliana has ever written which says a lot considering I've read all her books lol! EVERYONE deserves an Elijah!!!!! He has taken the top stop as my favorite MMC she has written. There were so many moments throughout this book that were so beautiful and soft, but I loved that there was Adhira's snarky humor along with Elijah's calm humor.
I think I have a couple of favorite moments but my top might be, and my eyes definitely got blurry when she said “I’m tired of being so goddamn strong all the time” my heart crushed! This book takes you through allllll of the emotions. Please check trigger warnings because it may be heavy for some.

Giuliana did it again🙌💜

Side notes:
-tea parties
-Archie 🥹
-the plates lol
-lint free toe-cracks lol

Fav Quote:
•“I would love a hug from you, Adhira”
•”Will you kiss it and make it better, sweetheart?”

Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases 🤍

[Colbygirl13reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selfless Love was all I hoped for. Adhira's world changes just as the story begins. She is a strong, independent, beautiful, smart, and stubborn woman. She thinks she needs to deal with her illness alone, as to not burden others. Watching her trials and tribulations with this was powerful, but painful at times.
During this time, Elijah becomes her new roommate through mutual friends. This is a practical agreement that helps both of them financially, but slowly over time it becomes one of the most meaningful relationships in both of their lives. It takes Adhira some time to open up and allow her walls to come down, but Elijah allows her the time she needs by just supporting her.
Throughout the story both of their strengths and weaknesses are shown. Adhira is truly a top notch heroine dealing with neurodivergence, but learning how to communicate and deal with the things that bother her, while Elijah is such a supportive, caring, loving friend and partner. He also deals with anxiety despite being a rugby player who plays in front of hundreds of people. Together they find the best in each other and support each other through it all. I can't wait to read more of Giuliana Victorias books.

[Catherine Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a different sports romance (rugby) that has tension, yearning, and lots of emotional turmoil, will make you scream, cry, throw up, with a beautiful HEA? Then look no further because this will check ALL of those boxes.

Adhira, our FMC, is battling cancer and keeps it from all of her loved ones to not be a burden to them. Elijah, our MMC, is a caretaker to his core, but battles with caring for himself, his anxiety, and his pseudo-parenting. Due to certain circumstances, they end up becoming flat mates, without realizing, maybe the two are exactly what each other needs.

Adhira and Elijah's journey was so beautifully painful but it pays off so well. It's a hard-earned HEA that they deserve and I love them with every fiber of my being. It was so nice to see them working through their individual issues, showing both of their family dynamics, but also how they help each other's weaknesses through each other's strengths. The found family through their friendship and teammates was also just so chefs kiss.

Rugby romance is now one of my favorites and it's thanks to Giuliana. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series AND going back to read the first one!!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC :')

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

The way Giuliana writes about illnesses and disabilities is amazing. She does her research and she always makes sure to include not only the hardships, but also the characters' strengths and support from loved ones. I love how real the stories are!
This story is a bit heavy, but so worth the read!

Adhira is such a relatable neurodivergent FMC. I enjoyed her straight-forward, no filter comments. I also like that she's demisexual. Such good representation! Her POV while fighting cancer was heartbreaking, but I loved watching her grow throughout it.
Elijah is an adorable MMC. A virgin (not something you see often in the MMCs), with anxiety and lots of blushing! A rugby player who takes care of everyone and loves to make pottery. He was steady, and such a enjoyable character.
I also love all the side characters (Archie is my no.1 for life)

This is a slow slowest slow burn, but I thought the spice was great! There's lots of good tension throughout the book and their chemistry was just *chef's kiss*. I really love the build-up of their friendship/relationship. It's all the little things that matter!

Thanks to Giuliana and Happily Booked PR for this ARC!

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

As lovely as this story was, the pacing was way too slow for me. The majority of the story exists in their flat, with dancing around their friendship, Adhira's secrets, and Elijah pining making up the lions share of interactions. There is fantastic anxiety, mental health, neurodiverse (autistic coded), cultural, grief and demi-sexual representation throughout though, and the MMC is the greenest of green flags and perfectly in touch with his emotions in a way that I don't often see in MMC's.

Amongst that there are some beautiful sentiments, thoughtfulness and hilariously dry lines, but I was struggling with boredom with all of the slow scenes in between. Even their first time sleeping together takes something like ten pages of foreplay and conversation before she finally cajoles him into going all the way.

If you love long, slow, emotionally-heavier reads with great diverse representation, this will be a fave. If you're interested in pacing that had steady forward momentum, this may not be the read for you.

*****

I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shivany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author and her work. So if you have anything negative to say about her, it’s better you stay far, far away from me. I am only accepting praise here. Because honestly…

OH. MY. GOD.

Elijah and Adhira completely stole my heart. Adhira is Indian and I loved that she wasn’t whitewashed like so many Indian characters tend to be. Yes, she lives in Britain, so some of her mannerisms reflect that. But it felt natural and authentic, never forced. For once, I didn’t feel like I was reading an Indian character written without understanding the culture. Even the name choices made my desi heart so happy.

And Elijah… what a beautiful, precious man. I fell in love with him right alongside Adhira. He carries his own struggles but still shows up for the people he cares about. Watching him slowly open his heart to Adhira made their journey from strangers to something more feel so soft, emotional, and special.

Giuliana, thank you for this story. You made my desi soul ridiculously happy and I am still not over these two. I don’t think I will be for a long time.

Easily one of my most favorite books by her. I am officially obsessed.

[Fatma · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review

Tropes:
Roommates to Lovers
Demisexual FMC
FMC has Cancer
Hurt/Comfort
Found Family
Caregiver MMC
Black Cat x Golden Retriever

Check TWs!!

Get your tissues ready because Giuliani is about to make you cry all over again😭😭

Adhira had just discovered she has cancer. While she's determined to undergo treatment, she's also resolute in not letting anyone in. She doesn't want to be a burden on her parents or friends, so she pulls away from everyone. What she didn't expect was that her new flatmate would turn out to be such a caring presence, gradually breaking down her walls.

Elijah finally feels relief at leaving his dangerous apartment behind, eager to move in with someone and escape the overwhelming loneliness he's endured. Unfortunately for him, Adhira is set on maintaining boundaries and isn't willing to let anyone—especially Elijah—into her heart.

This story was amazing! I loved the slow burn. As someone who usually skips over the smut in books, I was thrilled that this story focused heavily on emotional bonding and tension that developed gradually before the physical aspect of A&E's relationship.

At first, A and E seem like polar opposites; Adhira with her guarded, mysterious demeanor and Elijah with his golden retriever personality that just won't leave her alone 😅. But as the story unfolds, we see that both are natural caregivers, albeit in different ways—Elijah through acts of service, and Adhira with her strong presence. I loved that she was able to care for Elijah in the same way he cares for others💜.

I appreciated the realistic portrayal of cancer and the emotional stages experienced by both the patient and their loved ones. It felt genuine and heartfelt.

Giuliani did us dirty at one point😭💔, but I forgive her!

This was such an incredible story, featuring a slow burn like no other and spice that makes the wait worthwhile. The character development is tender yet strong, and the friend group will make you envious.

[Lemonnyyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selfless Love by Giuliana Victoria

423 Pages

Secret Trials Book 2

Get the tissues ready guys cuz you are not ready for the emotional turmoil you are about to witness!

This was the perfect blend of cozy comfort and heart breaking pain, I haven't read a couple more deserving of each other in a while, and I am so here for it, I did not want to put it down.

Adhira is being put through the ringer and she doesn't want to put her burdens onto anyone else's shoulders, and I can so relate to that. Then Elijah moves in and flips everything around. He is the most patient and kind and absolutely perfect for Adhira. 

This book really hits you in the feels and forces you to feel everything in the best way, I cannot wait to see where the rest of this series is going, I also love that our favourites from Resilient Love make an appearance and how tight nit they all are. 

I would highly recommend this book as well as book 1 in the Secret Trials series as well as Giuliana's other books. For Fans of Rugby Romance, Roommates To Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Slowww Burn, Grumpy X Sunshine, Found Family and some delicious Spicy goodness.

[Sophie Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But without her, there would be nothing left to steady me.”

Oh my sweet sweet babies. Giuliana puts these two through their paces, they’ll break your heart, then heal it, only to break it again. (Don’t worry they truly heal it by the end) And honestly it’s absolutely amazing.

Elijah, my sweet boy, I love him so much. He’s such an angel. He’s so caring and kind, and definitely pathetic when it comes to Adhira. He’s so loving towards her even when she isn’t ready for love or any kind of romance, he still sticks by her showing her love and being a silent companion. Honestly he’s just the biggest green flag ever. Where does one get an Elijah from?

Adhira is so ridiculously strong. She takes on the burden of her diagnosis all on her own, not wishing to upset her family or friends. But I love the way she’s able to open up and trust that others will help her. And the way she opens up over time for Elijah is beautiful, if they fell into anything by quicker than they did, it wouldn’t have worked for her character. She needed her time to come to terms with things and it worked.

“And who am I to deny her? I’m a mere mortal in the presence of a goddess.”

Honestly I loved every moment of these two, they are perfect for each other.

I love this world so much and can’t wait for the rest of this series. I know Giuliana is going to work wonders with the rest of the rugby boys.

Please, if you do decide to read this read the TWs as it has on page treatments that maybe upsetting to some.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟x10

“You are all the good parts of everyday and every situation, Elijah Elliot.”

[Alyssa Radke · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book

Author Giuliana Victoria

Published March 24, 2026

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A grump and a sunshine!

Not going to lie, this was a challenging book for me to read. The C word scares the crap out of me.

Adhira and Elijah become roommates!

Adhira has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. When she has her chemo treatments she does a crossword puzzle with an older guy.

Elijah is a rugby player.

Elijah’s Mom had cancer. He has 2 younger sisters that call him every single night!

Adhira picked a burgundy book called Adventurous Love for Elijah to read! Adhira’s favorite color is sage green and burgundy is Elijah’s.

Adhira takes Elijah to a Botanical Garden!

Adhira finally tells her best friends and parents about her diagnosis. Elijah got to meet her parents! She got to meet Elijah’s Mom and sisters!

At times this book had me feeling all the feels, sad and then happy. I loved this book and especially the ending!! Thank you Giuliana for letting me be on your ARC team 😄💜

[Inge Mosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Giuliana’s books. The way she writes about diseases and disabilities is incredibly compassionate, honest, and real. She never focuses only on the struggle, but also on the strength, resilience, and humanity of her characters.

This book felt a little different from her previous ones, but I loved it just as much, maybe even more! The writing was beautiful, the characters felt authentic and layered, and their growth throughout the story was so beautiful. The romance was a perfect slow burn, emotional and natural but never drawn out. It was sad at times, but never too heavy, and the spice added to the story without ever overshadowing the emotional connection.

I was completely drawn in from the very first page and ended up finishing it in one day because I couldn’t put it down. Giuliana truly delivered another incredible story. Loved it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Zohra Asil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selfless Love by Giuliana Victoria is a heartfelt and emotional romance that beautifully explores themes of unconditional love, healing, and personal growth. The story draws readers in with relatable, well-developed characters whose journeys feel genuine and deeply moving.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the natural development of the relationship between the protagonists. Their connection builds gradually through shared struggles, vulnerability, and trust, making their bond feel authentic and powerful. Victoria also handles heavier themes with sensitivity, adding emotional depth without losing the warmth of the romance.

The writing is engaging and touching, with many memorable moments that stay with you after finishing the book. Overall, Selfless Love is a beautiful story about compassion, resilience, and what it truly means to love someone selflessly.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing read from Giuliana Victoria. This book is beautifully written and heart-wrenching at moments. We are following Adhira as she navigates through a newly given diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She is determined to get through the treatments and such all alone as not to hurt anyone in the process. Then we have Elijah, her new flatmate, who notices something is going on with her. He is a gentle giant, playing rugby and reading romance novels. The way they slowly grow to be friends before more, is heartwarming. I loved how they are both there for each other. You will need tissues as you read through the turmoil and struggles that Adhira goes through before and after Elijah becomes her safe place. I look forward to seeing what is next from Giuliana Victoria, I know it will be great.

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

oh man, I really wish i could have gotten into this book. but it was the, "more tell than show," and the FMC Adhira telling herself that she won't even tell her parents AND her close flat mate girlies about her condition. as it felt very realistic - not wanting to be a burden, it made me super depressed she felt she couldn't rely on anyone. so if she survived it, she would tell them, since this has an HEA, as I read in the beginning.

in the beginning, you (the reader, us) are bombarded with not meeting just 2 flat mates, but a bunch more and a boyfriend. my autistic brain couldn't keep up and was overwhelmed with so many people being introduced in one chapter 😐

as such as I appreciate an interracial romance, whimpering mmc, and neurodivergent rep, this was hard for me to get into and I found myself reading a lot slower than I usually do.

[Zephyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

First: do not make the same mistake I did and read it while you *may* have to be productive because that will go out the window.
Second: be prepared to fall in love with another GV MMC who has slutty glasses and reads smut.

From the get-go, I knew this one was going to hit hard. From the teasers that were posted on social media to the blurb and the note at the beginning, I came into it expecting tears, but not to the level that they were shed.
Elijah and Adhira go through so much together in such a short time, but their love and care for one another outweighed every trial that life threw at them. Their HEA was hard-earned in a unique way and every page, chapter, and tear made this book absolutely perfect.
Thank you, Giuliana, for these characters and the ARC!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of this book!

I kid You not i read this in one sitting and stayed up entirely too late.
Selfless love RIPPED my heart out, and then glued it back together and smacked a kiss on my forehead. Good googly moogly - I haven't cried that hard since I read Say you Swear.
This book is the epitome of "I see you and I love you anyway."
It was heavy, heartwrenching and so very touching. It was a unique story that covered hard to read topics in such a perfect and meaningful way. I love how true to themselves both characters are, and how prickly they are in the beginning.
The dynamic they fall into, and they way the love each other despite everything that is thrown at them.

5 stars!