This book was amazing and I devoured this book in just a few sittings! I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

"Love Unwritten" by Lauren Asher is a captivating romance that explores the complexities of love, work, and family. The story centers on Rafael, a workaholic single dad, and Ellie, a hopeless romantic and songwriter hired to nanny his son. Despite their differences, a summer trip to two islands brings them closer, challenging their initial perceptions of each other.

Rafael, still reeling from his divorce, is determined to guard his heart, even if it means risking Ellie’s. Ellie, on the other hand, struggles with rekindling her old crush on Rafael while trying to maintain professionalism. Their evolving relationship is filled with tension, attraction, and emotional depth.

Asher's writing vividly brings the characters to life, making their internal conflicts and romantic chemistry compelling. The idyllic vacation setting enhances the romance, providing a perfect backdrop for their burgeoning feelings. The story's pacing keeps readers engaged, balancing moments of tenderness with the inevitable challenges they face.

While the premise of a single dad and a nanny falling in love is familiar, Asher adds unique twists that make the story feel fresh. Some readers might find certain plot points predictable, but the strong character development and heartfelt moments more than compensate.

Overall, "Love Unwritten" is a delightful and heartwarming romance that fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. Asher's skillful storytelling and nuanced characters make this a standout read.

Love Unwritten is a sweet and heartfelt romance about finding love after heartbreak has left you an open wound.

Rafael Lopez is a man who lost faith in love when his ex-wife deserted him and their son. His trust issues run deep, and his childhood trauma permeates every relationship he has ever had. Rafa is a man who is always trying, but never seems to be enough.

Ellie Sinclair is a woman who just wants to be enough for herself. After a devastating development in her songwriting career, she returns home to Lake Wisteria. Elle is a woman still reeling from the winds of fate, but is open to love and its power to heal old wounds.

Pros: Love Unwritten is a fast-paced and engaging novel. The pining in this novel was top-tier and Asher writes a fitting conclusion to the love affair between Rafa and Elle. A majority of the novel takes place in Hawaii, and it is clear that significant research was put into the traveling elements of the story. Despite its 624 pages, by the end I somehow wished there was more!

Cons: Love Unwritten weaves a beautiful tale, but I feel that Rafa and Elle’s backstories were shown at a very surface level. Instead of summary, learning how their pasts made them into the people they are at present would have improved my reading experience. Similarly, I felt that plot holes in characterization and representation took away from my enjoyment of the story.

Recommended Listening: “The Prophecy” by Taylor Swift

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom and NetGalley for this arc.

I love how Asher’s stories are full of heart-rending emotion and characters that will stay with you for years to come. I just know that, I wouldn’t stop recommending it!