The Vacation Bubble

To Barcelona with Love Trilogy, Book 1

De: Marcella Steele

Narrado por: Zoe Black, James Cassidy

Readers' Favorite

Perfect for fans of Beach Read, The Unhoneymooners, and Part of Your World—this witty second chance romance is a sun-drenched escape with heart, heat, and humor.

A fling wasn't on her vacation itinerary. Neither was falling in love.

Romance has ghosted, gaslit, and gone full Shakespearean tragedy on Sofia Drake. She's officially a one-woman rom-com with no third act in sight, ready to bolt if love sneaks up on her again.

Freshly dumped and jobless, Sofia is mid-pity-party (yes, wine and ice cream are involved) when a friend drags her to a job fair. One look into Ryan Hunter's crystal-blue eyes and she can tell he's trouble—gorgeous, charming, and way too young. He's also the first man in years to make her feel a real, rocket-exploding kind of heat. But when the jet-setting Ryan invites her on a spontaneous trip to Barcelona, Sofia does what she does best: she runs.

It takes a kick from her best friend (a "get a life" lecture) to move Sofia out of her comfort zone and onto a plane to Barcelona—alone. No men, no pressure, just a solo adventure. At least… until she runs straight into the one man she swore she'd never see again.

Now, Ryan is offering to be her personal tour guide, and Sofia is breaking her own 'no men' rule for a new one: keep it vacation-only. Sun, sangria, and maybe a little sizzle. Thirty days—no falling in love, no risky complications. Really.

Sometimes the best adventures happen when you finally stop running from what scares you the most.

"The Vacation Bubble will resonate with readers who crave wanderlust, sizzling chemistry, and second chances." Readers' Favorite

©2025 Marcella Steele (P)2025 Marcella Steele

Over 40 women listen up!!

Location: California and Spain

Tropes: age gap, romance over 40, life after divorce, new lease on life

Sophia got broken up with and lost her job all at the same time. But while out she meets Ryan, a younger and mysterious man whom their share an instant connection. He gives her an invitation to go to Barcelona with him and while Sophia doesn't go with him....she decides to go on her own and they run into each other. A romance blossoms and all the obstacles present themselves.

As a woman over 40 I absolutely loved this book. And I don't say this lightly because I honestly don't love a lot of romance novels. However, this book is different because this book explores a romance of a woman in her 40s and deconstructs all of the hesitations she has about dating and dating younger men This book was done so well, and it was so believable and realistic that I absolutely could

Awesome cozy vacation listen

🎁Source: I purchased this audiobook!
📚📖Title: The Vacation Bubble; To Barcelona with Love book #1
✍️Author: Marcella Steele
🎙️Narration: Zoe Black with James Cassidy

☀️Dual narration
🇪🇸Open door spice
☀️Rom com
🇪🇸Slow burn
☀️Reverse age gap
🇪🇸Over 40 FMC
☀️Vacation
🇪🇸Second chance

My thoughts:
I love a vacation romance, and this audiobook was the perfect escape from the winter weather. It felt like a mini getaway and I could totally see it playing out on the big screen! The story between Sofia and Ryan was such a feel good, easy listen that felt like destiny at work, unfolding in the most natural and charming way.

I especially loved that this featured an older FMC. Sofia’s character felt so relatable and refreshing, and it was wonderful to see her story told with so much depth and heart. The story was filled with charm, humor, and warmth, with so many moments that made me smile.

🎧James and Zoe did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. Their chemistry was wonderful, and they felt so natural in these roles. Overall, this was a comforting, feel good audiobook that I truly enjoyed and would absolutely recommend.

Heartfelt, Passionate, and well Narrated

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and following the emotional journey of Sophia and Ryan. Marcella Steele does a great job exploring what it feels like to take another chance on love after past heartaches. It also gives the reader perspective or view points from both characters with the two different narrators which I appreciated! The story captures that push/pull of attraction, creating fear and hope simultaneously, and feels relatable, honest and genuine. Beyond the romance, the story celebrates the resilience of female friendship and bonds that sustain women through all of life's challenges. The narration was good, adding warmth and personality, bringing the characters' to life unlike the flat affect you can get from some narration. Readers who like intimate, character driven romances about trust, second chances and adventure will enjoy this book. It is perfect for a relaxing weekend. I am looking forward to next book in this trilogy!