
Member Reviews

In this entertaining new romance novel, readers follow Ruby as she returns to her family home on the beautiful island of Corfu. Ready to work at her aunt Hazel’s tavern, Ruby is definitely not interested in Yianni, her handsome colleague who has great chemistry with Ruby, because getting close to him means dealing with her past and why she left home the first time. Forced to choose between the secrets holding her back and the risks of trusting Yianni, Ruby might be able to find the happiness she wants if she makes a new life back here on Corfu. With a strong cast of characters and vibrant settings, readers will love this beauty and whimsy of this entertaining new novel. The characters are complex, detailed, and well-written with thought-out backstories, and the setting of Corfu is incredibly detailed and immersive, and both elements really pull readers into the story. The emotional throughlines and the slowly-revealed backstory really add great drama and tension to the overall storyline. With great characters, a strong relationship, and a beautiful setting, readers will love the summery and vacation aspects of this book, and the emotional storyline will draw readers into this entertaining and enjoyable new novel.

A decent enough book but I found it to be far too ,one for what it actually delivered. I wanted to know more about the FMC and her backstory as I felt it was sort of glossed over. The will they, won’t they was an obvious set up from the start but I never really felt like like I got to know the characters and therefore didn’t feel very invested in the outcome.

First 20% was written very cheesy
Finally got interested in what happened with Johnathan
I’m conflicted on the whole aunt’s stepson situation
I want Yianni to be just a bit more interesting. He was sweet but in an almost airheaded type of way, and I would have liked to have more to root for.
All the issues are brought up too often - I can’t tell my parents I want to own a restaurant, whatever happened with Johnathan, who is yianni, etc it feels like the author thought if they didn’t include the issues expressively state numerous times each 6 page chapter that the reader may forget and become disinterested. The writer completely missed on the quiet intrigue situation. You should write for the reader to be invested enough in the conflict that they keep reading to discover the solution, not where you have to remind the reader of the conflict constantly
I love that the realization that she wants a taverna in corfu is slipped in there instead of overtly stated.

This book is classed as book 4 in the Little Blue Door series by Francesca but really it’s more of a spin off as it is focused on a completely different main character. It is set in the same location so Anton and Melodie are briefly mentioned and Gaia is actually a waitress at the restaurant that Ruby goes to work at for her aunt and uncle but that’s about it really - oh, and Nico is the barman… Talking of Nico… he’s starting to grow on me a bit - any chance of him getting a spin off to Francesca?! ;)
Anyway, what I was trying to get at there was that if you’ve not read any of Francesca’s books before then you can jump straight into this one if you want as it reads perfectly as a stand alone novel - the other 3 I would read in order though.
Over the course of reading Francesca’s books I’ve learnt that love does not always run smoothly and there’s quite often a bit of drama before we get to a potential happy ending. This was definitely true with this one and Ruby’s secret! I guessed what the crux of the twist was going to be, but not the events that lead up to it and the reveal definitely surprised me! There are many a word that can be used to describe Jonathan but none that can be expressed here 🙊
Yianni on the other hand was a love interest that I could get behind, that whole enemies to lovers, forbidden love hype was strong in this but you could feel the chemistry ready to ooze out as soon as it was given the chance. I really liked watching things progress between Ruby and Yianna and also the dynamic of them and Nico working behind the bar together, the banter was strong and you could just sense that these 3 were going to be friends for a while!
I’m going to shh now before I tell you the whole story but I’d definitely recommend pouring yourself a large cocktail or cold beverage and finding a sunny spot to enjoy this read! Get ready to want to board that plane!

Was lovely to hear the English colloquialisms. I was born in England and miss it dearly.
Greece was one of my Gran’s favourite places in the world. Whilst I am yet to go, it was lovely to hear the country she loved so much described so vividly.
A beautiful story about second chances, healing trauma, the importance of self-love/self-care, and having the love we deserve.

Loved the MMC and the Greek vibes but felt the FMC could have spent a little bit less time dwelling on the past, as traumatic as it was. Enjoyable story and a great summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow in exchange for a honest review.This is a feel good romance about a girl name Ruby told in 2 time frames- the past when Ruby is in relationship with Jonathan who is needy, narcissistic and controlling. He uses Ruby both emotionally and financially. and the present-as Ruby as she to work at her aunt’s restaurant, Greek Secret, on the island of Corfu.While in Corfu she meets her aunt’s stepson Yianni who is 4 years younger than Ruby and is in love with her. .It is apparent that Ruby is no longer with Jonathan and the reason is slowly revealed.A great story of finding love when you least expect it and learning to forgive yourself and start anew.

Title: Greek Secret
Author: Francesca Catlow
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: When Ruby arrives in Corfu, Greece to work at her aunt and step-uncle's restaurant, Greek Secret she hopes she will be able to let go of our past and learn enough so she can fulfill her lifelong dream of opening up her own restaurant. Not long after arriving, she meets Yianni (her aunt's stepson. She notices an immediate attraction to him, but can she let go of her past, so she can give a new relationship a chance? This was a sweet romance, that made me feel like I was living in Greece. When I first started reading this book, I was unsure if I would like this, but very soon into it, I began to love the characters and storyline. This story is not just a romance. The story explores learning to forgive ourselves and letting go of the past. Highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC of this beautiful story.

Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow is an escape to the heart of Greece. The author masterfully captures the beauty and charm of Greek life, making me feel like I was walking through its sun-drenched streets, hearing the hum of everyday life, and tasting its vibrant cuisine.
The story is rich with emotion, drawing me into the characters' personal journeys. Francesca Catlow's writing style is both engaging and evocative, making it easy to connect with the protagonist's joys and struggles. I loved how themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience were interwoven into a narrative that felt authentic and heartfelt.
As someone who appreciates stories that transport me, Greek Secret delivered on every level. The balance between light-hearted moments and deeper reflections kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a perfect read for anyone who enjoys romance, culture, and a touch of mystery.

Ruby is in a relationship with would'-be actor Jonathan. Ruby has dreams of owning her own restaurant but Jonathan has other ideas.
The book, although fictional describes what's it like to be in a relationship where you are not good enough, you're down trodden whilst the significant other commands the spotlight.
Ruby goes to visit her family in Corfu. Will be help Ruby to find herself and regain her confidence?

“Greek Secret” is by Francesca Catlow. This is a romance book - but also a book about self healing. The main character is the island of Corfu - seriously, it is. Ms. Catlow does a wonderful job describing the island in great detail. As for human characters, there’s Ruby (niece of Hazel, who is part-owner of a restaurant) and Yanni, Hazel’s step-son (so no blood relation to Ruby). Ruby and Yanni are both flawed characters, which makes them more real, which I appreciated. What I didn’t like as much was that the beginning of the book is a lot of set-up, but once through those chapters, the book picked up in a nice manner. Overall, for a quick read, with a lovely setting, this book was enjoyable.

I liked the story 💙 but beware, it's long 😅😭 the slow burn and frustration AAAAH 😂😭 I'm glad that they work on trying to get over their past, and I'm glad that they found each other and are happy together at the end, and I liked the few chapters about the past to let us see the glimpses of it. Overall, would recommend reading it 👍🏻

Francesca Catlow whisks readers away to the sparkling shores of Corfu in *Greek Secret*, a romance that blends heartache, healing, and a touch of Mediterranean magic.
Ruby arrives in Corfu hoping for a fresh start, but between the irresistible charm of Yianni and the weight of her past, she quickly realizes that escaping isn’t the same as healing. The setting is pure wanderlust fuel—golden beaches, cozy tavernas, and the kind of summer air that makes you believe in second chances.
What I loved:
✨ The chemistry between Ruby and Yianni crackles like a seaside bonfire—slow-burning but impossible to ignore.
✨ Catlow’s writing makes Corfu feel like a character in itself, wrapping you in its warmth and beauty.
✨ The emotional depth adds layers to the romance, making it more than just a holiday fling.
Why it’s 4 stars instead of 5? The pacing occasionally meanders, and Ruby’s inner turmoil could have been explored a bit more deeply. But honestly? This book is a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon with a cup of iced coffee and dreams of Greek sunsets.
If you love romance with a side of self-discovery and a setting that feels like a vacation, *Greek Secret* is a must-read!
Thank you NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
I ended up DNFing this book. I couldn’t get my head around it. I think the main thing that put me off is that Ruby’s potential love interest was her step cousin… and I couldn’t get past that. It also felt really jumpy and rushed.

Ruby’s story is filled with secrets and scars. we first meet Ruby as she lands in Corfu, having lost her restaurant job. Yianni is her aunts stepson. Ruby is using this summer to learn how to run a restaurant and heal from her relationship with Jonathan. I loved the two timelines present and past, each revealing little bits of the story. As someone who isn’t heavy into romance, this was perfect! Ruby and Yianni seem like a perfect match as they each have their issues with controlling, abusive partners. They help each other heal. This is a story of healing and finding yourself. And finding love after hurt.
Thank you to Natgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Ruby arrives in Greece with a plan. But life has it's own plan for her. Good story with a few twists. Wonderful characters.

3.5 rounded up
This book is an emotionally rich summer read, perfect for anyone who loves Greece or dreams of going there. It follows Ruby, who, after losing her job and feeling lost, is offered a new beginning by her aunt in Corfu. Although hesitant at first, Ruby takes the chance and moves to work at her aunt’s bar and restaurant for six months.
The story blends humor, romance, and emotional depth—especially in Ruby’s evolving relationship with Yianni, which is filled with vulnerability and tension. Ruby’s journey of healing from a controlling ex is portrayed with authenticity, making her character deeply relatable.
Told with shifts between past and present, the narrative explores heavy themes like emotional abuse and grief with sensitivity. The emotional arc is compelling, balancing laughter with moments of deep sadness. A notable strength is the couple’s temporary separation, which felt meaningful and necessary for their personal growth. Their eventual reunion is both powerful and well-earned.
Thank you NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for the ARC!

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Oh wow! How easily I was transported to the Greek islands. I felt all the feels of this beautifully written story. We are all broken in parts but loved how Ruby overcame it all to make all her dreams come true.
Inspirational, romantic and perfect in every way imagined. This book for sit with me for quite a while and wrap me in the warm Aegean sun that I didn’t even know I needed 🩷

What a romantic getaway this was. Very Mamma Mia coded but in a completely stunning individual way. Just what we needed going into the summer months and a perfect way to welcome spring. Beautiful beautiful beautiful story!