Laila is too busy with work to even think about dating. Luckily her friends have noticed that she isn't doing well. A forced leave of absence allows them to set her up with some of the men that "got away".

In the modern world in which we live, where women are told they can be anything they want to be, it is easy to imagine someone like Laila. Career-focused, she hasn't got time for silly things like a social life, or even a life. Laila is dedicated to her work. Her friends, Jenna and Samira, have noticed and have decided to stage an intervention.

This is no ordinary intervention though. Knowing that Laila is very analytical they play to her scientific nature and explain how she's lacking in dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone and come up with ways in which she can increase her dopamine levels. Between them, Jenna and Samira have scoured social media and discovered that three of the men that Laila had brief relationships with when she was studying abroad ten years ago are still single. By combining a holiday with a brief chance to reconnect with each man, Laila should be able to boost her dopamine levels, and she may just fall in love.

Laila is skeptical and far too busy, but a problem at work results in her having to take a forced leave of absence. It's the perfect opportunity for a much-needed holiday in America and a chance to reconnect with old flames, Austin, Edoardo and Mateo. Laila also has an ulterior motive, she hopes to put to rest a problem from her past that has been haunting her.

We follow Laila through two magical weeks of sunshine, fun and steaminess as she reconnects with each man and discovers that the relationship she had with each one ended in a misunderstanding. Laila begins to wonder if she's made a mistake by letting each one go - but at the back of her mind is the constant thought of her career and responsibilities back home.

I enjoyed the fact that events weren't wrapped up at the end of the two-week holiday, Laila returns home, refreshed by dopamine, but fully intending to resume the life she'd had. However, while she's been away other people have taken the opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and are about to make drastic changes. As for Austin, Edoardo and Mateo, maybe they see a future with Laila and aren't prepared to let her escape a second time!

I had high hopes for this one! The blurb sounded fresh and original—a woman in STEM applying science to love? Sign me up! The book starts off strong, and I really liked the idea of Laila’s friends using a “scientific” approach to reconnect her with the three men from her past. Plus, I’m always here for a women-in-STEM lead.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Daphne Kouma, and while I didn’t love the book itself, her narration was fantastic. She did an amazing job with the different accents, making each of Laila’s past loves feel distinct. Honestly, her performance was one of the highlights for me.

That said, somewhere along the way, I started losing interest. There was a lot going on—past timelines, multiple love interests, personal growth, family drama—and it got a bit too messy for me. The frequent jumps to the past made it hard to stay engaged, and at one point, I found myself reluctant to pick it back up.

It’s not a bad book by any means. There were parts of Laila’s journey that I really enjoyed, especially her self-discovery, but even that felt a bit rushed. But I think if the story had been a little less complicated (maybe fewer love interests?), it would have held my attention better.

Overall, a mixed experience—great narration, an interesting premise, but a bit too much going on for me to fully connect with it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This was an enjoyable easy read. It was light hearted and fun. I didn’t particularly bond with any of the characters but I did like all the settings

I don't love books that go from past to present but this one was ok. This was a fun easy listen and had some important topics. The narration was done well and cleverly written and I enjoyed it but nothing outstanding. Thanks to to the publisher and netgalley for this audio arc.

I really enjoyed this book and the messages being sent as well as the characters being fun. It is a really fun set up for a story and I loved how the story progressed.

4.5 stars rounded up

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this story! I was expecting a romcom - I didn't read the blurb before starting this one. I chose it because I loved the cover! It's actually a very insightful & fun romance about self-discovery, self-care, friendship, family, relationships, secrets and redemption and there are a few laughs along the way. There was so much going on in this story and I loved it. There are some profanities and some spice, but nothing out of place and the love scenes can be skipped easily enough if you don't enjoy those scenes.

I enjoyed the narration and each character was given their own voice and personality. I highly recommend you grab a copy and settle in for an enjoyable adventure - I couldn't stop listening to this story, and I'll be looking out for more books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bolinda Audio and the author for a complimentary ARC for review. All opinions are my own

I was immediately drawn into the main character’s journey, especially as she explored the idea of falling in love. She’s a hard-working woman with a tough past but a successful career, which made her feel both relatable and strong. The unique twist of reconnecting with three exes kept the story engaging, and I loved seeing her personal growth throughout the experience.

The portrayal of female friendship was truly heartwarming. It felt authentic and added a wonderful layer of warmth to the story. These friendships really balanced out the more challenging parts of the character's life in a beautiful way.

I really enjoyed the pacing, which kept everything moving smoothly, and the characters were so engaging. The story was an enriching journey that left me feeling satisfied and connected to the characters. It was a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.

🎧Audio Book Review🎧

The Love Intervention
Caroline Khoury

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

When this first got going, it reminded me of another book that I'd read a couple of years ago, with a similar theme.
However, I remembered just how much I'd loved it and wondered how this would compare.
Well, I can confirm that this was an absolutely brilliant read.

We all feel a bit stuck in a rut every now and then and I'm sure lots of us wonder about the past and those missed moments or connections that we never took any further.
Well here, we follow Laila as she embarks on a journey to visit 'the one that got away', 'the old boyfriend' and 'the old best friend' in the hope that reconnecting might provide some closure or better still, rekindle feelings and maybe something more?

I absolutely loved all of the characters in this story.
Laila had obviously had a tough time recently and this break was definitely going to boost her mood and give her some time to reassess life.

It seemed a little unrealistic that all three men were free, single, still in love with Laila and all in exotic locations - but hey, this made for the best of adventures and a glorious setting that would spirit us all off on the journey along with them.
Each of the boys had their charms but I think it was pretty obvious which way things would go and who Laila would choose in the end.
However, I loved that the storyline had some surprises and twists along the way that I hadn't seen coming.

As we follow the story in present day, we also see flashbacks too, so the storyline unfolded gradually, filling in the gaps from the past and explaining the character's decisions and motivations.
I loved how Laila found a way to heal from the past and to move forward in a way that didn't compromise any of her hopes and dreams - and we're obviously treated to a very satisfactory ending.

The writing style had me immersed from the start and even though I thought I knew where this was going, I loved every second.
I'm now really looking forward to reading more from this author in the near future.




💕Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my ARC copy - this is my honest review 💕

This book was packed full of emotion and drama. the flashback concept was a great way to tell the story from both times and the FMC was really quite relatable. There was a point when I was listening and feeling everything for Laila. This was well written. I very much appreciated the narrator, the emotion that was conveyed throughout the narration was beautiful and really embodied the FMC and all the other characters.

This is the first book I have read by this author and overall I enjoyed it. It’s about a woman having a second chance with three prominent men from her past, and in the process working out want she really wants and needs from her life as she’s currently stuck in a very stagnant situation. The story was easy going and a nice read.
I had the audio book version which was well narrated.

The. narrators were great and really brought the story to life and made me want to keep listening. I enjoyed the plot and was very entertained and the writing style was great for me. Would 100% recommend.

The Love Intervention
by Caroline Khoury
Narrated by Daphne Kouma

I am not typically a fan of stories that shift between the past and the present, as this one does. However, I chose to continue listening because the narrator, Daphne Kouma, captivated my attention with her skilled storytelling. I'm so glad I persevered because the latter half of the book turned out to be incredibly engaging.

Initially, I was sceptical about the concept of the "Love Intervention" trip, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth it brought to the narrative. The book explores significant themes such as grief, guilt, family dynamics, and the essence of true friendship. Samira and Jenna, two devoted friends, decide to stage an intervention for their friend Laila Clark, whom they perceive as a dedicated workaholic engrossed in her career while taking care of her mother. They believe that Laila needs to embrace love and joy in her life once again.

To achieve this, the two friends embark on a heartfelt quest that involves combing through social media to locate three significant men from Laila's past, specifically three ex-boyfriends or male friends from her university days a decade ago in vibrant New York City.

The men they hope to reconnect Laila with are:

Austin - a close friend who she wished was more
Edwardo is the ex-boyfriend with whom she ended things when returning from uni.
Mateo - another friend who shared memorable experiences during their college years

Their journey takes them to exciting and diverse locations, including the bustling streets of New York City, the sunny beaches of California, the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico, and the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. Each destination adds a unique layer to the story, filled with nostalgic moments and unexpected twists that ultimately lead Laila on a path of self-discovery and healing.

I thought I would not like this book but hey I did enjoy it. The love intervention not only touched or changed Laila’s path but everyone around her. I think the thing that I like about the story is the friendship and reconnecting with families .

The narrator did a brilliant job to make the story and characters to life.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher Bolinda Audio for a wonderful read.

Listening to The Love Intervention was such a fun and heartwarming experience! Narrated by Daphne Kouma, the audiobook brings Laila’s journey to life with warmth and personality. Laila is a clinical scientist so focused on her career that love has taken a backseat—until her friends stage a "love intervention," sending her on a whirlwind journey to reconnect with three men from her past. From California to Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, she revisits old flames and forgotten passions, all while rediscovering what truly makes her happy.

Daphne Kouma’s narration is fantastic—she captures Laila’s logical, no-nonsense nature while also bringing out the charm and humor in the story. Each of the love interests has a distinct voice, making it easy to stay engaged. The travel elements add a fresh, escapist feel, and while some parts of the romance are a little predictable, the emotional depth and self-discovery make up for it.

If you love rom-coms with a touch of wanderlust and a strong, relatable heroine, The Love Intervention is a delightful listen!

Well, it's safe to say I adored this book 🥰 4.5🌟 Had all the feel-good cosy warm feels. Maybe it won't be one I will be able to recall per say but it definitely made an impact. Beautifully written and well narrated, all the characters just felt like you knew them easy to relate to, likeable and so realistic in a rom-com type of way!


Laila is a clinical cardiologist who is currently working hard, caring for her sick mother, and simply doesn't have time for or make much time for herself. She seems to be missing something in life and this is clearly noticed by her 2 best friends Jenna & Samira who have walked through much of her life with her, they can see she is missing part of herself she is simply working too hard and isn't getting enough of those feel good happy vibes in her life so how can they possibly do anything to help her when she is so independent and stuck in her ways... Well approach this in a way that Laila would just maybe accept like a business model with a presentation of course full of explanations of molecules and examples of the missing chemicals she needs to function as a happier human being!!!

CHNO
Chemical for dopamine this is the missing link they decide before embarking on their journey of The Love Intervention...

Samira and Jenna set up an intervention for their friend Laila Clark as they believe she is working way too hard and looking after her mum she needs love and fun in her life she needs all the feel good ingredients like dopamine serotonin etc. So being her best friends they intervene in the best way they know how and they go on a quest which leads them to social media to find 3 ex boyfriends/ male friends that got away or didn't quite make it into Lailas love life. In 1 way or another via her social media all from diff countries but all crossed Lailas path 10 years ago at NYU so they hatch a plan together for her to travel to see them and she can decide from there what happens!
Her friends will take care of her mum while she travels so she has no excuse not to go or anything to worry about they know she has accrued annual leave one more box ticked, what could possibly go wrong.

Friendship is the foundation for a good relationship, after all, so they reveal a full presentation to her hopeful that Laila will embrace their reasoning and intervention.

The first person to get in touch is Austin Bradley after her friends had sent him a message when she was at the bathroom because they knew she wouldn't take it seriously.

"Phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from someone I hadn't heard from in 10 years... 1 name 2 words ~ Edwardo Moretti"

"The absence of serotonin in the system could cause a range of symptoms, decreased energy levels, sadness, feeling hopeless, mood swings, increased or decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much and cognitive symptoms such as poor memory"

A little note from me here in my own personal take from this in the message behind this beautiful story is that... People really underestimate the power of love whether it be with friends, family or a partner there is so much truth in these facts and alot of people who struggle or suffer with physical ailments as well as mental health issues can often be helped with simple connections of being heard, seen and comforted by others. Communication and connection are so much more important to humans that many really fail to give credit to or understand the importance of how much you matter to another person in your life. You never know how you may habe made someone smile in their day by your message, your warm embrace or simply your smile we all need these chemical releases and they most definitely have a massive impact on our physical and mental health and well being!

When we laugh, we produce oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin etc all the feel-good ingredients our body needs without the addition of pharmaceuticals. It isn't to say of course there isn't s place for them as each individual is different but this audiobook for me really is highlighting so much of a bigger message of reality and how when someone feels truly loved they do feel better overall.

I'm sure you have all heard people say you are glowing etc or you may have said this to another usually this is when someone is at peace within themselves, in their lives and living their most fulfilling best self at that time!

Thank you for the beautiful reminder. Back to the review!

"The recurring theme without an absence of these molecules had a detrimental effect on your mental health.... but was love the answer...."???

Love really does cure a lot ❤️

Sad lamps etc ofc do assist in aiding someone's health particularly in winter months however it is a dose it is fleeting this is why it truly is important to have people in your life who love you unconditionally and who you love the same way! Hugs well 🤗 I've always been a hugger, and this just sums up why hugs help people so much, a 20 second hug can release all those positive, feel-good chemicals.

After visit with Austin for a week it had been a fantastic time spent at the vineyard only to come to the realisation that 10 years ago there was a misunderstanding of what may have actually happened Austin hadn't been with her room mate like Laila thought he wasn't the f*ck boy she thought he was, her room mate threw herself at him thst last night when he went to find layla he found her kissing Edwardo and was heartbroken he wanted to give it a go now and make a go of them being a couple and suggests going with her to peuerto Rico but Laila says he can't because she going to see Edwardo which is when all the truth comes out.

This begins a spiral of events that I don't want to give away any more of the plot because it really is so much more than I even anticipated but this is simply a little taster of the backbone of the basic elements of the why these friends set this up, their intentions and also how strong friendships, love and forgiveness all is when faced with various adverse conditions that we don't see coming.

Life isn't easy for anyone we all have our paths to walk however if you walk it with love in your heart & peace in your soul I'm sure like this wonderful book illustrates you will find happiness within ♥️

Absolutely beautiful story of friendship, forgiveness, betrayals, confusion, hurt, angst, twists, and turns but deep faith in love winning in the end!

With thanks to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for this ARC in return for this review. With best wishes for publication on 1st March 2025. I'm sure this will be a success 🙏🏼♥️🎧

Another lovely book from Caroline Khoury! I'm personally a sucker for a love triangle, so when offered with a love square you know I'm going to read it! Three men from Laila's past give us the perfect set up for second chance romances. When you think you can see which direction the book is going, suddenly all men are back in the mix as an option, adding to the suspense of how will it end. Daphne Kourma also did a fabulous job narrating this audiobook - a narrator will definitely make or break a book but Daphne was great

I started reading the ebook (and was enjoying it) but the desire to pick up my kindle wasn’t there so the audiobook via netgalley was a life saver.

Without audio I would have missed out on a gorgeous romcom that was so much more.
The pacing was a little slow at times, but the story kept me interested.
It’s what you expect from a romcom with your favourite tropes too but the part I loved the most was this goes deeper than just a love square. There is heartache, laughter, growth, reforging of relationships and so much more.
It’s hard to explain more without spoilers so all I will say is “The Love Intervention” Layla’s friends set up, ends up being more than searching for DOSE! (Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin & endorphins).

Layla kinda annoyed me at the start but as her story unfolded I grew to understand and relate to her more and loved the journey she took including all the highs, lows, heartache and pleasure! And yes there is spice. It’s possibly about a 1 on the spice scale but took me by surprise.

The audio narration was brilliant. It was easy to distinguish between each of the female characters and it did help bring their characters & personalities to life. And even the male ones were good. Whenever someone narrates in the opposite gender and with an accent, I can’t help but smile but it doesn’t detract from the story.
I love audiobooks and will definitely pick one up if Daphne Kouma is the narrator.

Love, in all its forms, is definitely at the core of this story. Such a fantastic read.

Thank you canelo for the ebook & Bolinda audio for the audiobook.

Thank you netgalley for letting me read and review this book. I found it really lovely and I told my friends after reading that they sucked for not setting me up -they did then tell me that all my exes were really shitty or married so there is that!

There was actually twists and turns in this book and the ending was lovely!

This was a welcome surprise 😊 all the usual tropes you’d expect from a romance novel, but with added family and friendship arc that I didn’t wholly anticipate.

The Love Intervention is pretty much as it sounds, Layla has a lot of weight to carry, she’s struggling in a job she’s supposed to love, caring for her mum and buckling a bit under the pressure. Her two best friends stage the intervention, science says love is the answer, and Layla is a scientist after all. They plan a trip where she has to rekindle three old flames and see what comes of it, this was a lot of fun, and for me there was a definite front runner amongst the candidates.

Layla discovers a lot about not only herself, but family secrets, secrets within her friendship group and realises there are some old wounds that need to be healed for her to truly be happy.

I loved that this wasn’t overkill on the romance, the characters were fun, they made me laugh, at times they really irritated me but it all rolled up to an ending that was perfect.

The audio narration by Daphne Kouma 🎧

An easy 4 🌟
Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧