This is a classic summer romance that delivers just what it promises: a romantic Italian setting, steamy moments, and a predictable but enjoyable "will they, won't they" dynamic. As a fan of the genre, I found it to be a perfectly adequate escapist read. I did, however, struggle with the central premise. The concept of a "Love Hotel" dedicated to matchmaking is fun, but the name itself kept reminding me of the very different love hotels in Japan. But beyond that, the initial match between fitness-obsessed Edward and the heroine, Sammie, who is explicitly not into that lifestyle, seems like a pretty huge mistake for a professional matchmaking service to make.

On the positive side, the chemistry between Sammie and the charming staff member, Romeo, was cute and fun. The spicy scenes are indeed spicy and will satisfy readers looking for that heat. I also appreciated Sammie's recommendation for the 365 Days movie on Netflix--that thing is bat-guano crazy but sexy. Ahem. Anyway.

In the end, this is a book I'd recommend for readers who can switch off their critical eye and simply enjoy the ride. It’s a quick, breezy read with plenty of steam, but don't go in expecting a rock-solid plot or deep believability.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I just loved everything about this story! This is book 3 in The Love Hotel series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

I keep thinking about Sammie. She was just the best! I loved her right from the start and hoped that she would get her HEA with Romeo, even if he was not meant to be her match. Her match was just a big "NO" from me! The setting is beautiful and overall it was a fun read.

There were so many moments in this book that made me smile and for me, there was just the right amount of spice. Loved it!

I didn't realize this was part of a series. However it was a nice and quick read. Nothing spectacular though. I don't think it will be memorable.

Thanks for the advanced reader copy from Netgalley! This was a cute beach read book. Light hearted and a quick read.

Such a great book, so much banter, and as a Brit myself I really related to Sammie’s sense of humour.
Romeo was the total package and I loved their developing relationship and the spicy bits were great too. I will be looking to read other books by this author who was new to me as I really enjoyed their writing style.

In the latest book in the Love Hotel series, readers follow Sammie Gordon as she finally gets the chance to experience the Love Hotel’s Italian resort and see if they really live up to the hype. When she doesn’t feel sparks with her match, she wonders what ending up on her own in this beautiful location will mean, but Love Alchemist Romeo steps in to keep her company on the scheduled dates and excursions -- in a professional capacity. When sparks fly and they risk breaking the no relationships with guests rule, Sammie and Romeo have to resist their feelings and undeniable chemistry while she’s at the resort. Spicy, steamy, and tropey, fans of the rest of the series will love the latest instalment in this glamorous and entertaining romance series. The characters alternate perspectives and are definitely the stars of the book, and their chemistry is absolutely fantastic. Readers will love the attention to detail in the setting and in the characters, and the tropes add the perfect levels of drama and spice without overwhelming Sammie and Romeo’s relationship. Fun, spicy, steamy, and entertaining, readers will love the latest book in this exciting and entertaining series with its fantastic characters, fun plot, and great emotional storylines.

Book 3 in the Love Hotel series and I think this one is my favourite! There was lots of forbidden romance and spicy tension. I love the idea of the Love Hotel and really enjoy the character links and crossovers throughout the series

Tropes:
🏝️ Opposites attract
🏝️ Forbidden romance (staff and hotel guest)
🏝️ Banter to b*nging
🏝️ Forced proximity
🏝️ Grumpy sunshine
🏝️ Matchmaking
🏝️ Spicy !!!!

Took me a little to get into but enjoyed it overall. A nice easy read, with a decent plot and relatable characters.

I absolutely loved this book and would read it again in a heartbeat- a really interesting setting with hilarious and delightful characters, plenty of romance and perfect for a summer read

Absolutly loved this book. Really felt as if I was there. Full of everything you needed for a fab beach read! Highly recommend!

This is the third book in the Love Hotel series, but it can be read as a standalone. Even though the characters from the previous books appear in this one, you won't miss anything from the storyline. It's the perfect summer read—well-written and enjoyable. I quickly fell in love with Sammie and Romeo, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. It was a fun read!
Thank you to Olivia Spring, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

"Too Hard to Resist" by Olivia Spring is a hot, funny, and completely delightful summer rom-com that whisks readers away to the idyllic Love Hotel in Italy. If you love opposites attract, forbidden love, and sunshine grump tropes, this book is your dream vacation.

The tale introduces us to Sammie Gordon, who travels to the trendy resort with high expectations of meeting her perfect match. But things fall apart in the first setup, and she is left alone in paradise. In comes Romeo, a suave Love Alchemist at the resort, who offers himself up to keep Sammie entertained. What begins as a professional venture soon turns into an undeniable, hot chemistry.

The author is great at writing smart banter and developing hot forced proximity that leads the banter to banging payoff in a deeply satisfying way. The no dating guests policy creates a delectable tension layer, so that Romeo and Sammie's fight to deny each other is all the more engrossing. They have chemistry that jumps off the page, so that "Too Hard to Resist" is a luscious and hot read that will have you coveting your own Italian summer love.

This is the third book in the Love Hotel series, each book can easily be read as a standalone novel. These are such cute books. They are the perfect amount of romance, spice and cuteness.

Sammie Gordon believes the love hotel will bring her her true love and life partner. She spends her life savings to sign up for the love hotel, she finally gets word that a match has been found for her at the Love Hotel in Italy. When Sammie arrives in Italy, she has met by Romeo her love alchemist, a very attractive man whom she assumes is a player. Sammie finally meets her match Edward, she is less than excited about him, but decides to give it her all as this man is a match on paper to everything she wants.

When Romeo first meets Sammie, he thinks that she is a party girl, but he finds her overwhelmingly attractive. Romeo has gotten in trouble for the clients hitting on him and has been told to keep his distance.

As the book progresses, Sammie and Romeo find themselves drawn to one another more and more; and of course, fate throws them together quite often.

This was a super cute book, really enjoyable to read. A great summer romance. I look forward to more books in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house, Boldwood books and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based up upon my honest opinion

I so appreciate Boldwood sending me an eARC of ‘Too Hard To Resist’ by Olivia Spring. I couldn’t wait to read another instalment of the love hotel series!

Sammie has been wanting to attend the love hotel for ages so when her opportunity arises to go to Italy to meet her perfect match she doesn’t hesitate. But her match leaves and Romeo the love alchemist is there to pick up the pieces.

I love the concept of the love hotel and I loved being in Italy for this one. It’s a place I’m dying to visit. I read this book so fast I didn’t even get a chance to post about reading it!

Olivia had once again knocked it out of the park. The balance between the romance and the spice is just perfect. There were also a few laugh out loud moments as well as some feeling of frustration with Sammie’s original match. I was hooked from beginning to end ❤️

I can’t wait to read more of Olivia’s new books as well as some of her backlist as I haven’t read them all yet. This is a forbidden romance you need in your life 🥰

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

A charming love story with some of my favorite tropes. Forbidden love. Romance. Humorous.

Sammie and Romeo are a fun pair. The chemistry between them was undeniable and the author does a great job of exploring this connection. This was a fun summer setting and a great summer read.

The author did a great job of setting up the setting and describing the characters in detail really helped the reader to invest in the story.

Okay. First of all Romeo?? His name is Romeo and he lives up to it. This book was pure sunshine, spice, and swoon, all wrapped in the dreamy glow of Italy.

I actually forget this on my shelf but I devoured it
The chemistry between Sammie and Romeo is the definition of slow burn but also instantly charged. Their banter 😁Flirty and hilarious. Their moments alone...... Whew
Forced proximity really said you will fall in love whether you like it or not

I loved Sammie’s independence and the way Romeo saw through her walls without trying to fix her. He just… showed up. Consistently. With Italian charm and quiet intensity. (And yes, I now want to book a solo)

My Initial Thoughts
I knew I was going to enjoy this, based on the blurb and the cover is beautiful. Straight away this gave Love Island, The Bachelor vibes. I loved Samantha straight away and maybe that was more because of my own name to. Who doesn’t love a character they share a name with. I hated Edward straight away, what a jerk!
Plot
I loved the development of Romeo and Sammie throughout the plot, it was slow but so passionate and romantic. Swoon! It made me want to visit Italy to, everything is written in such details that it was easy to form a picture in my mind eyes. The banter and sarcasm from Sammie and then Romeo.. Especially Mr Bean!
I loved the fact that the writing and story telling had me laughing throughout and what an ending!
Characters
I loved the characters, bar Edward, I don’t admire people that are so judgemental on others looks. Romeo Is such a gentleman and everything he does for his mum and the final chapters with Linda was lovely and if I had a son, I’d be so proud of him. Samie is another great FMC, with her pink in her hair and the amount of banter she uses. She is absolutely the perfect fit for Romeo. I just loved these two MCs.
Recommend
If you’re a fan of love reality shows, then you will enjoy this!
Favourite Quote
“To anyone who has ever dated someone who made you question your worth. You are worthy of love. You are enough.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters 3, 23, 31 and 42.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect written love reality plot line.
Overall Wrap up
I really enjoyed this and the development of the love for the MCs. The swimming pool scene had me howling with laughter, especially Jasmine’s and Stella’s response. This was a book that brought laughter, cringe moments and lots of romance. One I definitely recommend.
Stars & Spice – 4.5 stars and 3 chilli’s spices.

Book Information – Too Hard To Resist by Olivia Spring.

Genre – Romance.

Pages – 330 pages.

Tropes –
Forbidden romance.
Instant attraction.
Holiday romance.
Opposite attract.
Grumpy x sunshine.

Available on Kindle Unlimited – Yes, this is available on kindle unlimited, as is book 1 of the series.

Available Formats – Available on kindle, audiobook, paperback and hardcover.

Publishing Information – Published on 8th June 2025 by Boldwood Books.

Format in Which I Read – I read this on my kindle.

Where my copy come From – My copy came from Netgallery.

POVs – This is written in dual POV – Sammie and Romeo.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a single timeline.

1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in 1st person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This ends in a HEA.

Series or Standalone – This is part of an interconnected series, book 2, in The Love Hotel series.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.

This is book 3 of the Love Hotel series and the second one I have read. For the most part, they can be read as stand alones. This one follows Romeo and Sammie. Sammie was picked to go to the Love Hotel to meet her Love match. When she gets there, she is matched with Mr. Douche canoe himself (I forgot his name). He was super judgmental and based everything on her looks without even getting to know her. He would make comments about what she ate, get angry with her when she didn't do things right etc. In the end, he ended up leaving and she is left on holiday for 2 weeks without her match. Sammie decides to stay as she paid for her trip and had already taken the time off work. She starts to get close with her Love Alchemist Romeo and he tries to make sure that she has a good holiday. Romeo and Sammie didn't get off on the right foot but as their time together went on, they started to get closer. Due to him working there and it being forbidden that you date the guests, Romeo is walking on thin ice and needs to be careful as he already has a target on his back. The story was good and I enjoyed Sammie's journey. She continued to power through and make the best of her trip even though she watched all the other couples fall in love around her. Overall, this was a quick read and a great summer book.

This book was pure sunshine and spice. Set along the Italian coast, it follows Sammie as she shakes off the past and finds herself tangled up with Romeo, a walking fantasy in the form of a local dreamboat. Their chemistry is immediate and delicious, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a few blush-worthy scenes that definitely deliver on the heat.

Even though it’s the third in The Love Hotel series, it works perfectly on its own. The concept is fun, the banter is sharp, and the setting is described so vividly you’ll feel like you’re sipping wine in Puglia right alongside them.

Sammie is easy to love, and Romeo earns his spot on the book boyfriend list without even trying. The writing is light, flirty, and full of charm. If you’re looking for a feel-good summer romance that’s equal parts steamy and sweet, this one should be on your list.

I’m completely swept away by Sammie and Romeo’s love story. It’s the kind of slow-burning, magnetic connection that transforms into a deep, breathtaking romance. The chemistry between them felt so real and adorable.

This is the second book I’ve read in the Love Hotel series, and I’m officially obsessed. Olivia Spring has skyrocketed to the top of my list of favorite romance authors. Every character she creates is vibrant, quirky, and full of heart. Her stories strike the perfect balance: the kind of relatable love that feels grounded in reality, but still gives you those fluttery butterflies. The men are swoon-worthy, gentle, kind, and irresistible while women are strong, smart, charming, and relatable.
Olivia’s books are my happy place with just the right blend of banter, steam, and soulful romance. I can’t get enough!