Review: Secret Nights and Northern Lights by Megan Oliver
Thank you Berkley Romance for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
Alright, bringing back my old review style because it’s been too long. This book has been on my most anticipated list for 2025 since I saw the title. I have an obsession with the Northern Lights even though it’s likely I never see them with my own eyes. But that’s the beauty of books! I enjoyed this second chance romance and I think it’s a great wintry read if you’re not ready for full holiday. Also will be great to read in January!
Synopsis:
“Mona Miller lives her life by platitudes: she’s just fine, thanks; all good; not a problem! Everything is right as rain—even if it’s all a lie. Everyone at the travel magazine where she works knows her as a team player (in other words, the one who won’t complain about the endless fluff pieces pushed her way). But, feeling snubbed after being passed over for a promotion, Mona jumps at an international assignment to Iceland, even though she’s woefully unprepared.
She’s determined to prove her worth, though, and her can-do attitude will scale any glacier. But the freelance photographer paired with her is none other than Benjamin Carter. Ben, her childhood best friend who understood her even when her family didn’t. Ben, her first love—first everything. And Ben, the boy who ghosted her fourteen years ago and left her brokenhearted.
There is a decade’s worth of resentment Mona needs to ignore if she wants to make it through this trip. She’ll put on her “No worries!” façade and hold Ben at a distance. But the more time they spend together, the more the ice around her heart melts. And as those old feelings spark back to life, Mona must decide if she’s willing to go on the biggest adventure of all.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—Obsessed with Iceland and how it was brought to light with respect to the culture.
The Trope—I am a suck for Second Chance Romance!
The Balance of Fun & Emotion—I’ve been drawn to deeply emotional reads this year and I thought this balanced the aspects that romance readers expect in a romance novel well.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Pacing—I found the pacing to be a bit off, as it was fast paced at the beginning and then began to drag a bit in the middle for me.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
abusive parent, abandonment, panic attacks