Louisa and Henry’s story is a slow exploration of grief—of getting lost within it, stumbling through the dark, and slowly finding your way back to yourself. The exploration of grief in this book feels especially unique. It is a quiet reminder that mourning someone doesn’t always require their absence through death; sometimes, it is enough that they’re simply no longer who they once were to you.

Louisa and Henry’s relationship is not wrapped up in a neat little bow, and that is exactly what makes it feel so beautifully real. This book doesn’t pretend that love fixes everything. Instead, it lets the cracks show—it allows space for the hard parts, the missteps, and the quiet work of understanding one another. While many stories try to smooth out every wrinkle between prologue and epilogue, this one lingers in the mess, showing Louisa and Henry still learning each other’s routines and needs. It is the perfect ending 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.

🏠 Tropes
🐶 Age gap (8 years)
🐶 Slow burn
🐶 Found family
🐶 Death of loved one
🐶 Mental health rep

The heart break hotel. What a great book. When we are heartbroken and rejected, we need a soft place to land. It takes a village of friends to help you heal. People who will let you be angry and sad You need people who will let you be who you need to be to heal all the wounds

Valiant effort by this author but as a reader, was fixated on one discordant part of the plot.

The lack of professional licensing by the FMC. Although am not in the same profession as the fictional character, do possess a professional license in order to practice. Unauthorized practice of profession is not only detrimental to the client but to the profession itself. There's a reason why continuing education courses are a requirement for a profession. Can the author still maintain some form of secret and still sell the plot? Believe FMC's unstable childhood and her tenuous relationship with her eldest sister more than suffices.

Setting that aside, think the author provided an even handed balance on both Henry and Louisa's characters' grief.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



#TheHeartbreakHotel #NetGalley

Romance readers - ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR!
This is the best cozy book I have read in a while! Another 4 star added to my list!
I did not expect to love this book the way that I do. I truly enjoyed it.
This book had all the right ingredients for a great romance book.
You can expect: found family, family dynamics, emotional growth, ROMANCE for days, tension, hurt people, healing, second chances, and age gap!!
This was my first Ellen O'Clover book and I will forever be a fan. She is now an automatic read for me.
The plot is well structured and well written. The pace is perfect, I was so happy that it wasn't long and drawn out.
The characters are very well developed and have so much depth! The banter is *chefs kiss*. Grump meets sunshine-ish story. I will say I did want a little more of the MMC's POV, but it was still enough that I was hungry for more.
I love Louisa and Henry's story. If you want a cozy, warm, beautiful romance, this is a great book for you!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ellen O'Clover for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Happy Reading!

This was a much more emotional read than the stories I typically gravitate to. I ran the full gamut of emotions with each and every main character. The backdrop of warm and cozy side characters paired nicely with the chaos in the foreground.

This book felt like the warmest, most tender breath of fresh air. I absolutely adored how it wrapped heartbreak and hope together into a love story that felt as healing as it was romantic. Louisa’s spirit shines so brightly even when everything around her is crumbling, and I loved watching her build something beautiful out of the wreckage. The slow burn between Lou and Henry made my heart ache in the best way. Their connection grows with such gentle intimacy, every moment layered with longing and vulnerability. The writing is full of heart without ever feeling overly sweet. It captures both the heaviness of grief and the beauty of beginning again with so much honesty. I loved how their love was never a cure but rather something that grew in the cracks, tender and real. This story left me with misty eyes and a full heart. I am completely in love with it.

The Heartbreak Hotel delivered everything I crave in a romance: characters who feel real, a setting that feels like a warm hug, and emotional depth that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of healing. From the very first page, I was completely charmed by Louisa—her resilience, her humor, and her fierce determination to turn heartbreak into hope.
The dynamic between Lou and Henry was a slow, careful build that felt authentic and deeply satisfying. Henry, the brooding yet soft-hearted veterinarian with grief in his bones, was the perfect foil to Lou’s sunshiny persistence. Watching these two broken souls slowly find comfort, trust, and eventually love in each other was genuinely moving.
The bed-and-breakfast-turned-healing-haven concept added the perfect layer of warmth and community, with quirky side characters and bittersweet guest stories that brought everything together beautifully. The writing was tender without being saccharine and had just the right amount of wit and emotional weight.
This was a gorgeous adult debut—hopeful, romantic, and full of quiet wisdom. I closed the final page feeling full-hearted and a little misty-eyed.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book sucked me in by the blurb. And when I started this story I was not expecting the absolute chokehold this story would have on me. The tension and build up in this story was such a perfect pace. The balance in this story of romance and grief, it was so much more than just a love story. It was layered with so much emotional depth, and an undeniable yearning. YEARNING.

This was my first story by this author and it won’t be the last. I love how the FMC also goes on her own journey of self discovery and we can see her growth as a person while also getting some slow moments of a beautiful romantic build up.

A palatable story of betrayal, loss, found family, secrets and ultimately love- Louisa and Henry’s romance begins in their individual losses, but grows out of their genuine desire to create connection with others and heal the wounds that have held them back from fully living. Supporting characters are the exemplars of how the universal guarantee of heartbreak comes in many forms. Louisa and Henry must respond to a challenge of the emotional work required to experience a “rebirth” and new beginnings. It’s a will they or won’t they embrace their truths and move forward despite of the difficulties.

A strong 3.5 stars!

The Heartbreak Hotel was a tender and heartwarming book with a smidge of romance. Louisa is going through it when we meet her, and it was so lovely to watch her create her community through her idea of turning her rent house into a B&B. I do wish we got just a liiiiiiiittle bit more of the romance, I think the pacing was a little inconsistent, but I wouldn't want to sub it out with any other aspect that this book tackles. Each piece the aithor covers has depth and meaning and didn't feel like it was thrown in there just for fun. With all that in mind, this does lean more women's fiction over contemporary romance, but don't let that dissuade you from picking this one up!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC!

Well I certainly got a cathartic cry (or twelve) out of this one!!! This book was decadent and cozy and tragic and filled with love.

Louisa is such a relatable character - she’s raw and determined and approachable but also tries hard to keep from being vulnerable.

And Henry is so much the same, in a way that neither of them initially realize. They will be there for the people they care about at the drop of a hat, bending over backward and making themselves fit in whatever way they can because if they’re needed, they’re loved.

Louisa’s idea for the bed and breakfast is gorgeous and open and honestly so magical. And the variety of her guests is also beneficial for her; some guests need attention and excitement and experiences, others need time and space and seclusion. And Louisa gets to watch in real time as she’s able to provide for others what she’s been unable to give herself.

Just as important as Henry and Louisa’s budding relationship is Louisa’s dynamic with her friends and family. Her tense and often hurtful relationship with her sister, her unadulterated love for her nephew, the way her stomach drops when she even thinks of interacting with her mother. And also the way Mei supports her without restraint, how Nan encourages her to be honest and gentle with herself, how her changing tenants challenge her to give herself the same kindnesses she gives them.

I’m going to be totally honest I had never heard of Ellen O’Clover until I requested this. Originally I thought this was her debut novel. Come to discover this is her third novel, and for being my first introduction to her work it did not disappoint.
“The Heartbreak Hotel" is the kind of book that you think you know what it’s going to be about but then the bigger message jumps out and yells— GOTCHA. Trust me that’s not a bad thing with this book. I honestly thought this was going to be another grumpy vs sunshine romance story. When actually this turned out to be a deeper slow-burn romance, full of second chances and healing.

Our story starts with our MFC Louisa being broken up with by her long time boyfriend. Even though she was heartbroken the only thing she really didn’t want to lose was the house her and the ex co-rented together. However, Louisa can’t afford the rent on her own. So she brings the idea of turning the house into the “Heartbreak Hotel” to help her and others move on from heartbreak. But her landlord our grumpy MMC Henry isn’t necessarily on board, due to him dealing with his own demons with his former home. Eventually he agrees to the idea. As the pair start working more and more together, both of their walls start to come down. And what unfolds is a romance that feels so genuine that I wish it was real! —

Easy 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. My favorite thing about the entire book was Henry & Louisa relationship. I’m glad they weren’t the typical grumpy vs sunshine relationship. Now did they have those moments, sure, but their relationship was so much more complex than that. I loved that they had time to gradually grow together. Both characters had such deep issues to work through and the way that Ellen wove their journey was so beautiful.

The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars was because wish we had Henry’s POV. His journey is so complex and I wish we would’ve focused more on that than Louisa’s mother storyline.

Final verdict, would I recommend? Yes, 100% this was such a great story and needs to receive more hype than it’s been given so far. Lastly big thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the early copy!

“The Heartbreak Hotel”
Author: Ellen O’Clover
Publication Date: September 1, 2025

Ellen O’Clover’s “The Heartbreak Hotel” is a beautifully tender and introspective journey through love, loss, and the wonderfully messy process of healing. Meet twenty-six-year-old Louisa “Lou” Walsh, who, after the unexpected end of her six-year relationship, makes a bold decision to open a cozy bed and breakfast called “The Comeback Inn” in a charming Colorado mountain town. With determination and a sprinkle of hope, Lou approaches her landlord, Henry—a kind-hearted and slightly reclusive veterinarian—to pitch her idea while leaving out one important detail: her B&B is meant to be a healing haven for the heartbroken. As guests come to mend their wounds, Lou finds herself facing her unresolved family trauma, wondering if she needs the inn’s comforting magic just as much as her visitors do.

O’Clover’s prose flows with lushness and emotional depth, perfectly balancing raw vulnerability with moments of playful humor. Lou’s journey serves as the heart of the novel, marked by her meaningful introspection as she learns to honor her own needs and confront her family’s past. The guests at the inn are equally captivating, each one thoughtfully crafted with layers and complexity. From an outspoken and brutally honest heartbroken guest, to a widow with all the best advice and wisdom, helps add a refreshing touch of humanity, seamlessly intertwining their struggles and victories into Lou’s journey without ever overshadowing her.

The quiet yet electric romance between Lou and Henry truly shines—a slow-burn that simmers with tension and warmth. Their interactions capture the tender yearning and heartfelt vulnerability of two guarded souls discovering the beauty of trust again. While the central love story is delightful, the novel’s real strength lies in its celebration of platonic and familial connections. Lou’s complicated relationship with her older sister and her bonds with her guests highlight the beautiful truth that healing rarely happens alone.

Although the pacing may slow down a bit in the second act, the journey itself is rewarding. O’Clover opts for more nuanced growth rather than tying everything up neatly, and the ending, while filled with hope, acknowledges the characters’ imperfections, making their hard-earned happiness even more fulfilling.

“The Heartbreak Hotel” is a must-read for anyone seeking contemporary romance with real depth. It’s a heartfelt tale that recognizes heartache as a shared experience while also celebrating the resilience it brings. Expect to laugh, cry, and yes—kick your feet at Lou and Henry’s adorable and steamy tension-filled dynamic. This book is perfect for those who believe in second chances, both in love and life.

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover was delightful! I think this will be the book of fall! I loved seeing Lou grow and figure out what she wants while helping others do the same. I loved the house in this story it felt like a character!

Big thanks to Berkley Publishing for the ARC of this one! I read this book in a day and truly devoured every word. This was a beautiful romance and hit on themes of mental health, loss and learning to accept help, not just give it. The book follows the Louisa, a woman in her early twenties, on the heels of her break up from her famous boyfriend of many years. She had a tumultuous childhood that felt unstable and though she is devasted by the unexpected breakup, the thought of having to move out of their beautiful home is gut wrenching. She can't afford the rent, so she hatches a plan to convince her landlord, Henry, to let her make it a bed and breakfast. The Comeback Inn opens its doors as a haven for people experiencing heartbreak and though Henry doesn't initially rake this aspect well, he starts coming around more and Louisa makes a connection she doesn't expect with him. It turns out that he is experiencing heartbreak of his own, though it is quite different than hers.
This story was a sweet one and was filled with raw and real emotions. I loved Henry and Lou and enjoyed reading about how they learn to lean on each other and come out stronger for it. This one was an easy 5 stars for me! Loved it so much!

This book, this book, this book. Where do I even begin? I truly loved everything about it and I wish there was even more to read. The house that was described was stunning, I could picture it in my head and I wish it was a real place that I could visit. From the mentions of dogs to the sad backstories of the characters, it was all just so beautifully well written. I loved all the characters (except for Nate obviously) from Henry and Lou to Mei, Nan, and Rashad, my heart fell full. Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Ellen O’Clover for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

SHUT UP. SHUT UP. 🚨🚨🚨

I knew this sounded good, but I was literally blown away. How is this a debut???

The yearning in this is to die for. The ROMANCE. Perfection.

It takes a lot for me to give a romance a full 5stars, but wow. This earned it every step of the way from start to finish.

I laughed, I sobbed, I felt everything right alongside these characters.

It’s heartbreaking, it’s healing.

As a psychotherapist myself, this was absolutely amazing.

Thank you SO much for this ARC. Literally my new fave romance. I will be thinking about this forever. I cannot wait to
annotate my physical copy this fall 🥹

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

ADD THIS TO YOUR SEPTEMBER TBR

If Ellen O'Clover writes it, I will read it. This book is her best yet. I know whenever I pick up one of her novels, I'll be weeping my eyes out, and I'll be glad for it, and this was no different. The prose sucks you straight in, and the cast is unbelievably charming--and distinctive, a true feat with such a large cast of revolving guests. The outpouring of love and empathy from all characters is the kind of thing that will easily make this book an annual reread. And the romance. The romance!! I laughed, I swooned, I fell in love right alongside Louisa and Henry. The Heartbreak Hotel will live in my heart for the next trillion years.

DNF. Made it about 45% through. Another book trying to check so many boxes instead of just telling a good story.

This book felt like a it was written directly to my heart - like a hug from the friend that's known you the longest. It was a beautiful, full love story holding hands with stories of heartbreak of many kinds and both halves were fulfilling, wonderful, and so perfectly crafted. I loved Lou and Henry so much. They were such wonderful main characters and I loved watching them grow and become more self aware and fall in love. O'Clover's cast of side characters were also so wonderful. Between Mei, Joss, and Nan being pillars of love for Lou and the rotating cast of characters staying in The Comeback Inn, I was absolutely enamored with every character in this book and I wish I could know all of them (minus Nate). I also loved the way O'Clover showed the incredible beauty of Estes Park, one of the most beautiful places in this country. I love romance books that feel like a love letter to a place, and this one being to a place I loved really spoke to my heart. This gem of a book made me ugly cry into my breakfast over the idea that taking care of people is wonderful and beautiful, but that letting someone take care of you is also incredibly important. This is absolutely one of my top books of the year, no matter what else I read this year. I can't wait to cry over O'Clover's next book.