I was immediately drawn to this book because of the safari element. It sounded like a fun, second-chance romance that would be a quick read.

It was a quick read and was entertaining- but I wished there had been a little bit more adventure to the story. The main character Maddie/Lina was also a little whiney and seemed to take every emotion to the extreme. This book has a HUGE miscommunication trope to it and normally I am fine with this - but these characters took everything to heart. Both Maddie and Kaden were constantly getting wrapped up in their feelings and Maddie would take things the wrong way while Kaden was doing everything he could to fix it.

Overall, if you love a quick read, second-chance trope - give this one a chance. This was just a little back and forth for me. It was a 3-star rating, in my opinion, it was okay. I did enjoy the scenes of Africa and the MCs being reunited after years of pining for each other. One thing I did want to see more of was information about Maddie's dad's book he was releasing. That was interesting to me and then it was cut short with the drama of the relationship.

Big thanks to Ella Hayes, Harlequin and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Good second chance romance. Years earlier, Maddie and Kaden were high school sweethearts planning their future together. Then Maddie's father became the center of a political scandal. Maddie's mother sent her away to protect her and refused to allow her to contact Kaden to explain or say goodbye. Afraid of what would happen if she were recognized, Maddie changed her name and looks. She became a famous travel blogger, never allowing herself to spend long in any place. When the book opens, she has received an invitation to review a luxury safari venue in Africa.

Kaden was devastated by Maddie's disappearance. After learning she went to Paris, but not where he followed and wandered the streets hoping to spot her. Eventually, his father convinced him to give up, but he never forgot her. Kaden refused to join the family business and went to vet school instead. There he made friends with Fran, and after graduation, they took their vet degrees to Africa, where they became vets at a safari animal park. Eventually, they bought the park and turned it into a luxury destination. But Fran wanted more than Kaden could give her and left before the travel writers arrived for their tours.

I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Maddie and Kaden. Maddie was shocked to discover that the venue she would review was Kaden's, while he was stunned to see her. Maddie still feels guilty over the way she left, but fear of rejection kept her from trying to find him later. Kaden never got over the hurt he felt at her disappearance. Though they initially agree that leaving the past in the past is their best option, it quickly becomes evident that their connection is still there. I liked that they were mature enough to talk about what happened and realize that the years have changed them.

I liked seeing them get to know each other again. Maddie's travel blog gives Kaden the excuse he needs to spend time with her. I loved the vivid descriptions of everything from the wild dogs to the giraffes to those nosy impalas. I laughed out loud at Kaden's description of treating the bull elephant and Maddie's reaction to it. Maddie's joy in each experience was contagious and brought her and Kaden closer. When the sparks they feel burst into flame, it's almost as though they've never been apart. But they each have insecurities, and when Maddie's past catches up with her, flight is her first thought. I loved seeing Kaden show her how far he'll go to prove they belong together. The ending was terrific, and the epilogue had an unexpected twist.

Travel blogger Maddie is excited to go on an African safari—until she gets there and discovers that the game preserve owner is her ex, Kaden.

This is a bit of a slow burn, since Maddie and Kaden have a lot of baggage to overcome. I loved these characters as well as the African setting.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Ella Hayes is a new to me author, but I certainly enjoyed Their Surprise Safari Reunion. I love a good second chance high school friends-to-lovers story, and Ms. Hayes did not disappoint.

Maddie has become Lina, a woman who can move around the world writing her travel blog without anyone suspecting who she actually is. The daughter of a conman. That conman is getting out of prison, and Maddie greedily accepts an invite to a safari resort just to avoid being in the same city as her father on his release. She's ready for some sun and safari fun, but the last person she expects to meet upon her arrival is Kaden. The boy she used to love.

Kaden has longed for Maddie for twelve years. Unable to find her when she went into hiding when her father was arrested, he found no choice but to go on with his life and make something of it, which he did. He started a safari resort and wildlife refuge. He has no idea that his travel blog guest Lina is really the woman he's yearned for all these years.

The pain between these two hurt and betrayed people was palpable. They enjoyed their time together, laughed, and got to know each other again, but there was a layer of pain that only open communication could start to heal.

If you're looking for a fantastic stand-alone second chance romance, grab Their Surprise Safari Reunion, you won't be sorry!

An easy to read second chance romance where two meant to be together individuals were separated due to circumstances out of their control, only to meet again, to rekindle their relationship.
Maddie and Kaden met as teenagers, and were in a relationship when the actions of Maddie's father meant she and her mother had to flee the country, leaving the two lovers estranged, with no contact between them.
Years later, her identity changed, Lina embarks upon a visit to a newly opened safari park and lodge, in her position as a well respected travel blogger.
Ony to be met with a face from her past.
Kaden.
A lovely read, dotted with realistic descriptions of the wilds in Africa, as well as sympathetic views on the main characters vulnerabilities.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the setting in the Animal Conservation Park and the experiences that you could have. My heart went out to the heart ache that Maddie and Karen went through before seeing each other again.