Perfect book for a beach read which was exactly what I was doing in Madeira.

What to expect:
- Miscommunication Trope (Massively)
- Second Chances
- Described as enemies to lovers but I personally wouldn't call them that
- No Spice- not like that's a bad thing I personally like a bit of spice thrown in

Scarlett is a struggling writer after parting ways of the success of her debut where she collaborated with Theo a fellow writer. She hasn't had the sales of her books since going solo. Her editor decides that Scarlett needs to write with Theo again and sends them both on a writers retreat. Only to both there horrors that it isn't a writers retreat at all but a couples retreat.

I loved the idea of this book and was looking forward to reading it. I did read in one sitting I wanted to see how it was going to plan out. But I struggled in places I felt the pacing was off, especially in the middle- it felt very slow going. However near the end everything felt very rushed. I didn't feel the chemistry between Scarlett and Theo it felt forced. I also didn't enjoy the miscommunication trope So much could of been resolved if the pair just talked to each other properly.

Thank you Netgalley and Orion for a copy of the book for an honest review. Sorry for the late review.

I was initially disappointed by this but ultimately ended up impressed. The book is a fascinating insight into the world of co-writing novels, and the depiction of therapy is really wonderful.

There were a few times where the pacing seemed off, like something was missing or had been edited out. But I loved the main characters, and I think Theo made a great love interest.

absolutely loving the summer books i have been reading recently and this is no different! fun read! thank you to netgalley and publishers for allowing me an early copy

This book wasn't anything spectacular. I really did enjoy it though. I thought it was well written and the story was rather good.

"Couples Retreat" by Lorraine Brown is a delightful and emotionally engaging novel that takes readers on a journey through the complexities of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Brown’s writing is both insightful and heartwarming, filled with vivid descriptions and relatable characters who are navigating the ups and downs of romantic partnerships.

The story centers around a group of couples who, seeking to rekindle their connections, embark on a retreat designed to strengthen their bonds. However, as the retreat progresses, hidden tensions, secrets, and unresolved issues begin to surface, challenging each couple to confront their true feelings and the realities of their relationships. Brown expertly weaves together the stories of these couples, creating a rich tapestry of emotions, humor, and poignant moments.

"Couples Retreat" is more than just a romantic novel; it’s a thoughtful exploration of the challenges that long-term relationships can face, as well as the resilience and growth that can come from facing those challenges head-on. Lorraine Brown’s characters are well-drawn and deeply human, making their journeys both compelling and relatable.

With its mix of romance, drama, and introspection, "Couples Retreat" is a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys stories about love, connection, and the importance of communication in relationships. It’s a novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate the complexities of love and the courage it takes to truly understand and grow with another person.

This was in the vein of the Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren but with a more deep dive into the characters and their backstory! I enjoyed their dynamics and the fun of the vacation retreat setting. Excited for more from Lorraine Brown!

Thank you to Orion publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title.
3.5/5
This book was so much fun. I loved the premise.
Two former co- authors (and one night stand) are forced together in the hopes they can drum up the magic of their first book and create another best seller. Their agent has them going on an all- expense paid writers retreat, but when they arrive, they find they are actually signed up for a couples retreat. Bring on the couples yoga and loads of therapy.

The idea for their novel is brilliant and I would read the book! Theo and Scarlett had great chemistry and the push and pull of their mutual attraction paired with their need to keep things professional created the perfect amount of tension.
This was very slow burn, but yet the ending somehow seemed rushed. The lead up didn't pay off. Everything was wrapped up into too perfect of a bow at the end.

Spice level: Zero spice with kissing as hot as you are going to get.

Overall, it was an enjoyable beach read but was missing a pivotal moment to bring it to another level.

Theo and Scarlett are writers and years ago they wrote a thriller together that was successful but have been struggling to replicate that success on their own and now at the threat of being dropped by their publishers because they had a falling out they are being sent off to a retreat to try and get another book written, only for them to arrive and find that they have been sent on a couples retreat together.

This is such a good book and had me hooked from the very first page, it felt a bit like an Emily Henry book and i'm quite alright with that! Highly recommend

This was really something I wasn’t expecting. Haven’t seen this done quite like this book. Would absolutely read something from this author again. For those who like Emily Henry this is a book for you!

I had mixed feelings about this story. The premise was good and the characters were likeable, but the overall story was quite slow and full of unnecessary details, for example the whole early section of the book with our heroine meeting up with her friends. I’d say it was an ok read, but requires some perseverance to keep going in places, or else you may just skimread bits as I did

The premise was good and I was looking forward to a fun and romantic enemies-to-lovers novel, but, for me, it didn’t quite deliver. I wasn’t a big fan of the protagonist, Scarlett, the romance was too slow-burn, and I couldn’t really feel the chemistry between the two main characters. I really wish I enjoyed this novel more, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t for me.

Scarlett and Theo have one bestselling novel to their names: the psychological thriller they wrote together years ago. None of the books they've written separately have sold anywhere near as well...

Now at risk of being dropped by their respective publishers, their agent tells them that working together is the only way to save their careers and sends them off on a writers' retreat in the south of France.

It wouldn't be the worst way to spend a summer--except that they've accidentally been booked on a couples retreat instead, and spending so much time together stirs up some very inconvenient feelings!

With their careers on the line and a pressing deadline, romance is the last thing on their minds…


Second chance
Enemies to Lovers
Miscommunication trope
Fade to black


This is a great summer slow read. Nothing intense happens where you need to fully concentrate on the book at all times. I quite enjoyed this book, it’s a bit more of a slow burn than I’m used to. Unfortunately there was nothing major in this book that hooked me and kept me wanting more, which is something I need in books. I’m not much of a fan of the miscommunication trope but I very much enjoyed the character development between these two. I feel the couples retreat definitely helped them progress.

Lorraine Brown is phenomenal at world-building, as evident with The Paris Connection and now Couples Retreat too. Reading about Scarlett's anxiety seemed to morph into a second-hand anxiety for her. It also felt like the chemistry was lacking between Theo and Scarlett, but due to the previously mentioned second-hand anxiety, it is harder to notice other elements beyond that.

All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC of Couples Retreat.

My Thoughts: it was actually the cover that drew me into this book, it’s fun & flirty & makes you wonder what the characters are like..

And fun and flirty also sums up the story itself, both authors collectively are award winning but separately they’re books have been a bit of a flop so their agent has signed them both up to a writers retreat (or so they think!) to encourage them to write another best seller.. the problem being that they haven’t spoken for years!

Turns out they’ve actually been signed up to a couples retreat, no backing out, no refunds and they have to take part in every aspect of the retreat including relationship counselling 🫣

We know very early on that both Theo and Scarlett are hiding something about their past together, it’s hinted at a few times, which for me built up the suspense of the will they won’t they aspect of the story.. it was so angsty and at times I just wanted to shove them together and make them realise what they were missing.

The story was laugh out loud funny at times, full of heart and had me constantly turning the pages to see where the story went.. let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed!

Scarlett as a main character started off unsure and full of self doubt, but with the help of people she met at the retreat and Theo too, she really started to blossom and her confidence started to build.. the character development was spot on 👌🏼

This was my first go at Lorraine’s writing but I can promise you it won’t be the last, I bloody loved it.

I always love how transportive Lorraine Brown's books are and this one is no different.
It would make such a great beach/holiday read.
I particularly adored how bookish this was and the book blogger representation.
Would I have a liked a bit of steaminess/spice? Always. But the closed-door scenes work well in this and I actually didn't mind them too much, which isn't always the case.
I also really related to Scarlett and enjoyed the number of romance tropes included in this.
Their banter and chemistry was good too.
Again, I look forward to what Lorraine Brown does next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Two struggling writers find themselves forced to spend time together where romance unexpectedly blooms in this charming, witty and entertaining contemporary romance by Lorraine Brown: Couples Retreat.

Scarlett and Theo are both writers who had once co-written a psychological crime thriller that had been an instant bestseller. Unfortunately, when they had parted ways and attempted to strike out on their own, the books they had written had tanked spectacularly. And their publishers have noticed and are getting tired of giving them second chances. Scarlett and Theo need to write a bestseller and the only way they can save their career is by going off to a writers retreat in France. Only, it turns out that the retreat they’ve been sent on is not for writers, but for couples! What are Scarlett and Theo going to do now?

With their careers on the line, the two writers have run out of options. They need to stick it out and find a way of writing a book that will put them back in the publishing industry’s good books. Ideas soon begin flowing – and sparks quickly start flying too as Theo and Scarlett find themselves getting closer and closer. Romance is the very last thing on both their minds, but as their feelings for one another escalate, will Scarlett and Theo write their own happy ending? Or will there be an unexpected red herring that tears them apart forever?

Lorraine Brown’s Couples Retreat is so much fun! A gorgeous, funny and heartwarming romantic tale infused with warmth, humour and emotion, Couples Retreat is a terrific read about second chances, new beginnings and cupid’s arrow striking at the most inopportune moment where the pages will just turn themselves.

A glorious summer read perfect for romantics everywhere, Couples Retreat is a must-read by fast-rising start Lorraine Brown.

Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the ARC.

Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of this book. There wasn't a lot of romantic tension between them. The male character was unlikable. I am not a huge fan of forced proximity (depending on the situation) and miscommunication tropes.

Couples Retreat by Lorraine Brown
A bookish romcom? How could I resist?!
Couples Retreat tells the story of Scarlett Green, a 34-year-old author. A few years ago, she co-wrote a very successful thriller novel with Theo Winters, but for the past six years, they have avoided each other and written solo. However, their recent novels have not been doing so well. Scarlett is called into the Carla Hardwicke Literary Management to talk to her agent about her latest psychological thriller. It’s not great news. Clara isn’t happy.
Theo Winters is 32 and his latest novel has also had disappointing sales figures. Despite having avoided Scarlett for six years, now Carla wants them to write another novel together. She books them into a writers’ retreat for two weeks in the south of France. However, things go from bad to worse. It’s not a writers’ retreat, it’s a couples retreat where they’re expected to share a bedroom and join in with organised group activities to promote the growth of each relationship. Neither of them are keen on spending time with each other, but this seems the only way to continue their writing careers….
It is a very well-written novel and easy to get into, with Lorraine Brown’s chatty, relatable style. I loved the mix of characters. Scarlett and Theo are both relatable and flawed and I loved the way it came out about their childhoods and how their experiences had shaped them as adults.
Scarlett also has a lovely friendship group, I felt like I wanted to jump in the pages and join them - Petra (and her husband Dan, who are going through IVF) and Alexa (who is training to be a doctor). They all have issues of their own, but still there to support each other. Though a main theme of the story is how Scarlett puts on a façade and tends not to confide fully. She prefers dealing with other people’s problems than her own, so she keeps things inside and finds it hard to be open with people. I thought this was a really interesting trait.
The Couples retreat is France is run by Melissa, who seems in turn to be highly annoying and very well-meaning. The other people on the course - Paul and Harmony, Rob and Claire, Renee and Justin – are all in relationships with each other, but Scarlett and Theo only have a working relationship. Well, initially at any rate…
I loved following the theme of two writers working on a book together. Being a writer myself, I think collaborating with someone else would be impossible, so I enjoyed seeing how the process worked. This added an extra dimension to the novel, which is much more than “just” a romance, there’s lots of depth, serious issues, character development and a romance that’s perfectly right for me (i.e. no sex scenes, just romantic ones and sexual tension).
I was very impressed with Lorraine’s writing and will look forward to reading her future books.

Couples Retreat by Lorraine Brown

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Scarlett Green and Theo Winters are two writers with only one bestselling book to their the one they wrote together all those years ago. None of the books they've written separately have ever been quite as successful.

Now at risk of being dropped by their respective publishers, Theo and Scarlett's agent suggests it's time for them to work together again. She doesn't know why they fell out and frankly she doesn't care! This is the only way they can save their careers. And surely an exclusive writers' retreat in the French Riviera isn't the worst way to spend a summer...

That is until Scarlett and Theo arrive at their Cote D'Azur resort and find out they're all booked... for a couples retreat!

My Opinion

Firstly I would like to point out how cute this book cover is. Couples Retreat was a fun read and I thought that it was well-written. At first I did struggle to connect with the characters but they did grow on me. This was my first read by Lorraine Brown but I thought that it was quite enjoyable and I am sure that I will be back for more.

Scarlett Green has just found out that her books haven't been selling well and must work with Theo Winters to try and save her career. The pair had previously worked together but they had fallen out - so imagine their surprise when they find out that they have been booked on a couples retreat instead of a writers' retreat. This was a sweet, slow-burn romance.

Rating 4/5

This was my first book by Lorraine Brown (although I do have a couple on my TBR) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A unique concept of two authors sent mistakenly to couples therapy in place of a writers retreat. Quite a tame enemies to lovers, but the characters were likeable and I found myself falling for Theo as Scarlett did!

The perfect summer read, I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.