Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Gallery

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

From USA TODAY bestselling author Chloe Liese, a clever and heartwarming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Annabel Monaghan about two best friends who must fake a relationship for their exes.

Thea and Alex have three things in common—they love food, they hate where they live, and they’re both divorced. Otherwise, they couldn’t be more different.

Thea’s never cooked a day in her life. Alex is a world-class chef. Alex resents feeling stuck in his hometown. Thea resents the town for not feeling more like home. Thea and her ex are in a contentious custody battle for their dog. Alex and his ex amicably coparent their daughter. Beyond a few friends in common, a couple small-world connections (welcome to life in a mid-size city), their lives look nothing alike. Fast forward two years, and they’re truly the best of friends. No one would ever know their friendship began as a lie…

Two years ago, their exes got together immediately following their divorces, and somehow, Thea and Alex found themselves spinning a spite-fueled story about being old friends and first loves. Two years later, what began as a ruse has grown into real friendship—just friendship, despite what friends and family seem to think. But when their exes invite them on a two-week, “two family” beach vacation—daughter and dog included—Alex and Thea start to wonder if this story they’ve spun might have gotten away from them, and if it’s led them to the last place they ever thought it could: a happy ending.

Review:

Happy Ending by Chloe Liese is  the kind of romance that quietly sneaks up on you and then completely owns your heart. This is a slow

burn, friends to lovers story that leans heavily into emotional intimacy, shared history, and the kind of connection that feels both effortless and deeply earned. Told through past and present timelines, the story beautifully builds the foundation of Alex and Thea’s relationship—starting from a messy, spite fueled fake backstory and evolving into something so genuine and meaningful it’s impossible not to root for them.

What really makes this book shine is how character driven it is. Alex and Thea feel like real people navigating real life baggage; divorce, complicated exes, feeling stuck, and figuring out what “home” even means. Their friendship is the heart of the story, and it’s written with so much care and tenderness. You can feel the trust, the safety, the slow shift from platonic love to something deeper. It’s swoony in a soft, grounded way—more about lingering glances and emotional vulnerability than big dramatic moments.

This is a mature, heartfelt romance that prioritizes growth, healing, and connection. The beach vacation setting adds just enough tension to push everything to the surface, but it never overshadows what matters most: Alex and Thea choosing each other in a way that feels intentional and real. Sweet, charming, and deeply endearing, this is one of those romances where you want to wrap both characters in a blanket and protect them at all costs.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

March felt like a transition month in the best way — a little bit of everything, but with spring slowly starting to sneak in. I found myself reaching for lighter reads, small town settings, popcorn thrillers and especially cozy mysteries (which I fully cannot get enough of right now). It’s been such a fun, comfort reading kind of season.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up, plus what I’ve been reading, listening to, and watching lately.

ICYMI: March Highlights

March Book Recommendations

A little bit of everything — from cozy escapes to emotional reads and addictive thrillers.

→ Read the full list here

Full March Reading Recap

I had a strong month that had a slow start but then had a bunch of 5 stars in a row!

(Insert link once it’s live)

→ Read the full list here

Spring Break

I also shared a spring break recap filled with bookstore browsing, life lately moments, and a little peek into the balance of reading and real life.

→ See the post here

A Few of My Favorite March Reads

The Me I Used to Be by Kristan Higgins

A beautifully layered, character driven story about friendship, grief, and the lasting impact of the past. Told through dual timelines, this follows four former best friends as they reunite and confront the secrets that changed everything. It’s emotional, thoughtful, and incredibly moving, with just enough warmth and humor to balance the heavier themes. The kind of book that stays with you — and would make an excellent book club pick.

→ Read the full review here

Ryder by Jessica Peterson

Cowboy romance will always have me, and this delivered. Brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, small town, and a bold heroine who goes after what she wants? Say less.

This was emotional, spicy, and full of tension, and the audiobook absolutely elevated the experience — the accents, the chemistry, everything just worked. A perfect final book in the series, and I’m already fully invested in what’s coming next.

→ Read the full review here

Story Lake Series by Lucy Score

Story of My Life

A chaotic, cozy romcom that fully leans into its charm. Think small town antics, quirky residents, and a romance author heroine living out her own messy storyline. It’s funny, heartfelt, and packed with found family vibes — pure comfort reading.

Mistakes Were Made

Such a fun return to Story Lake. Opposites attract, messy in the best way, with great banter, tension, and emotional payoff. I read these back to back and had the best time and this series is officially a comfort read obsession.

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass — fast paced, dramatic, and already pulling me in. Picture a seemingly perfect lake community unraveling after a shocking act of violence… and secrets everywhere.

• Listening: The Hayley Powell series by Lee Hollis — cozy, foodie mysteries set in a small Maine town. Think lobster bakes, small town drama, and murder mixed with humor. I’m having so much fun with these.

• Watching: Summer House on Bravo — I’ve been here since day one and this current drama?? I cannot look away. The West and Amanda situation is wild, and I’m firmly Team Ciara forever. Some of my fave accounts giving updates are facereality16 Bravohistorian and Queensofbravo if you wanna follow the mess.

What’s Next

Very much in my mood reading era right now, but you can definitely expect more seasonal content as we move into spring.

On my radar:

• a spring reads guide (coming soon)

• themed stacks and cozy mystery roundups

• more quick hit rec carousels when I find a new favorite

⸻

Thank you for being here — whether you’re reading every post or just checking in when something catches your eye. I appreciate it more than you know 💕