Review Card & Book Review- The Island Of Hopes And Dreams By Kate Frost

When the beginning of the end is just the start…✨

Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life, and she knows something has to change.

With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.

Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.

With the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.

Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Lola, newly single and skeptical about love, who travels to Sardinia for her best friend Mirabel’s wedding. Surrounded by couples and picture-perfect lives, Lola feels like an outsider—until she meets Rhys, the groom’s best friend, who’s also craving a break from the pressure. Together, they agree to fake a relationship to keep everyone at bay—but their connection soon begins to feel very real.

Although the fake-dating setup is well-trodden territory, Frost makes it fresh with well-drawn characters and emotional nuance. Lola’s personal journey—shaped by past trauma, self-doubt, and the discomfort of watching others seemingly have it all—is handled with honesty and care. Rhys isn’t just a romantic interest; he’s given his own backstory and depth, making their growing bond believable and rewarding.

For anyone navigating their thirties and feeling out of step with those around them, Lola’s experience will feel especially relevant. The book also gently highlights the value of open, honest conversations and how much we all benefit from connection and vulnerability. A delightful, thoughtful romance full of heart, humor, and scenic charm—perfect for readers who enjoy emotional journeys with a satisfying, hopeful ending.

My Rating

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