A fun second chance romance, with a fun supporting cast. Set in the south of france, these two friends have to find their way back to themselves professionally and romantically!

I really enjoyed Lorraine's other book "Five Days in Florence" so I had high hopes for this book. The descriptions of Canne made me want to go on a couples retreat there even though I am in a committed relationship!

As an aspiring author the insight into the publishing industry was fascinating. I would have liked a bit more chapters on Scarlett's life either side of the retreat but it will be a great beach read.

Title: Couples Retreat by Lorraine Brown
Release Date: August, 15th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Scarlett Green and Theo Winters, both struggling writers, face the prospect of being dropped by their publishers. Their agent suggests they collaborate again, despite their falling out years ago, to save their careers. Reluctantly, they agree to attend a writers' retreat in the French Riviera. However, upon arrival, they discover it's actually a couples retreat. Forced to confront their past and work together, Scarlett and Theo navigate the challenges of the retreat while rediscovering their chemistry and potential for success.

In "Couples Retreat" by Lorraine Brown, readers are treated to a heartwarming romance filled with depth and character development. While the slow burn may not be for everyone, it allows for a nuanced exploration of the main characters' past traumas and personal growth. The 6-year miscommunication trope adds tension and complexity to the story. Also may not be for everyone.

Despite the lack of spice, the build-up between the characters is great, culminating in a satisfying conclusion where they prioritise their careers and, ultimately, each other.


Thank you to The Publisher Orion Publishing Group | Orion , The Author Lorraine Brown & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

A good beach/summer read. A light read that was nice and easy to get through. The miscommunication trope isn’t my favourite but would recommend giving this a go.

This is very well written and I enjoyed lots of it. But, I hate stories which are based on stupid misunderstandings that could have easily been sorted by the character opening their mouth and asking a question rather than running off.

In this instance, the heroine makes incorrect assumptions and runs off. She hates the hero for all this time and only when their agent forces them to try working together again, do they meet up and eventually realise there parting was based on a stupid miscalculation. For most of the book, I disliked Scarlett for her martyr complex, attitude to Theo and her refusal to recognise her own flaws and weaknesses.

It’s a tribute to the author that she made her characters real enough for me to dislike them or feel sorry for them.

I would have liked a longer and more emotional denouement but there you go. Definitely worth a read.

This was a very funny, entertaining read. I really enjoyed learning about our main characters back story, and the journey that leads them to where they are now. I felt as though I was sitting in the French Riviera the whole novel. A great beach read.