Valentine Nook

A Grumpy Sunshine Age Gap Romance (The Valentine Nook Chronicles, Book 1)

De: Lulu Moore

Narrado por: James Joseph, Andi Arndt

Lando Burlington, the eleventh duke of Oxfordshire, is back on the market as England’s most eligible bachelor. It’s a title he’d sooner burn to the ground, especially following the fallout of his ‘almost’ wedding. It doesn’t help that his mother is trying to set him up with every single woman in the country, none of whom he’s interested in. The final straw is when she rents out his former pre-marital home to Holiday Simpson. . . America’s sweetheart and box-office favorite.

Holiday needs a break from the chaos of Hollywood—replacing red carpets for green fields—and Valentine Nook, Oxfordshire, seems just the place to do that.

But she didn’t count on her new landlord. With his piercing blue eyes and hard set jaw, he’s as handsome as he is grumpy. And that’s nothing to say of his bronze, sculpted muscles she wishes she hadn’t noticed when she took a wrong turn down a country lane.

For Lando, avoiding Holiday is impossible in a village as small as Valentine Nook, but he starts to wonder if maybe she’s not as terrible as he originally thought. Especially when she smiles at him.

It doesn’t matter though, Holiday’s visit is temporary. This isn’t the movies. She’s not looking for her one true love, and doesn’t need to be swept off her feet. Except as summer turns to autumn it’s clear they’re going off script, and Lando must find a new ending to their story before it’s too late.

©2025 Lulu Moore (P)2025 Lulu Moore

The cutest small English village and the perfect couple!

Ever since Once Upon A Christmas Tree I was itching to get to know more about the Burlington family! And then finding out Holiday was going to be the FMC in this book, I was even more stoked! I love the way Lulu crossed over from the New York Lions into this book!

This book was absolutely perfection! I have always loved Lulu’s writing but man does she make you fall in love with everything that is the English countryside and Valentine Nook. I could visualize all of the different locations, from The One True Love, to Bluebell Cottage, and the Burlington Estates.

We first met Lando, the Duke, in OUACT when his brothers take him to Aspen after he catches his fiance and best friend together the night before he’s supposed to marry (which is how we get introduced to Alex and Haven’s story!) and since then, he’s been such a grump. All that changes when Holiday takes a break from acting and ends up renting Lando’s cottage for some peace. Holiday makes fast friends with Lando’s sister Clementine, which allows for multiple run-ins with each other.

I loved how everyone was drawn to Holiday, from Lando’s horse Thunder, to his wild brother Miles! This was the sweetest story and I loved how we saw Lando become less of a grump and fall for Holiday. I could absolutely see this story and series as a movie or television show!

On top of the story, the audio was absolutely phenomenal! Andi Arndt is one of my top female narrators and she did such a great job flipping between Holiday and Clementine with the different accents. I almost forgot this was dual narration with each narrator voicing all the voices in their chapters because I was so wrapped up in the story and they were just that good! And I could listen to James Joseph read a menu! I cannot wait to continue this series!

And I am STOKED for the continuation of Alex and Haven’s story, especially after that ending!

funny, heartwarming, swoony, and full of life

Lulu Moore nails that cozy small-town feel and drops it right into the middle of a swoony little English village. Valentine Nook feels so real. I was ready to pack my bags and move in.

Lando and Holiday...(or should I say Gracey and Hollywood), Total opposites in the best way. He’s the broody Duke still nursing some brutal heartbreak, and she’s the Hollywood actress hiding out from the spotlight. Their first meet (not so cute) at the waterfall had me laughing, and by the time we hit the fireworks scene, I was fully gone for them. Add in the Burlington siblings with their hilarious banter, Holiday’s instant friendship with Clemmie, and Thunder (who 100% steals the show every time), and it’s just chef’s kiss. Lulu has a way of writing main energy side characters that makes you desperate for their books, too.

And let’s talk about the audiobook… James Joseph and Andi Arndt crushed it. James gave us all of Lando’s grumpy, guarded edges but still let the softer side slip through, and Andi’s take on Holiday was warm and witty in all the right ways. I also loved how well they handled the dual narration style; both did a great job doing the female/male voices, which just pulled me in even more. I mean James's female voices....so good!

Valentine Nook has everything I want in a romance: funny, heartwarming, swoony, and full of life. Between Lulu’s storytelling and the incredible narration, I didn’t want to press pause once. If you’re looking for a cozy village romance with banter, chemistry, and side characters you’ll immediately want their books, this audiobook is a must. And you won't have to wait long for the Alex and Haven's book because book 2, Wylder Ranch, comes out on November 28th. If you want to read were they got started beforehand, then grab Once Upon a Christmas Tree, a prequel to the Valentine Nook Chronicles.

Loved!!!

Prepare to be swept away to the beautiful English Countryside to a small village called, Valentine Nook. This village, the charm, the donuts, the mischievous goat and the Burlington family all made me fall in love with this story. It made me want to book a plane ticket to England and find a small cottage to escape for a while. In this story we meet a grumpy Duke who has sworn off love and a tired and overworked American actress longing for a break. Their undeniable chemistry brings about so many swoon worthy moments and laugh out loud hysterics with their banter.

The audiobook is narrated by James Joseph and Andi Arndt. These two were the perfect voices for Lando and Holiday and really brought the personalities of the characters to life. Perfectly casted to really get you immersive into this story and these characters.

Valentine Nook can always be mine

"Amor Principium" - Love is the beginning

Holiday & Lando. First off, can we talk about Holiday - as in Tanner's sister from The New York Lions series? and Lando from Once Upon a Christmas Tree? When I realized this, I was so excited. Anyway, another hit to of the park from Lulu Moore on this one. I loved these two characters. And, as always, the amazing secondary characters brought so much life to this story and I can't to read the rest of this series as it comes out.

The way Lulu Moore builds a town and characters, I swear, I feel like I'm in the town and know the people. The storyline was so cute - she's an actress who needs a break, he's a Duke who needs a break from all the heartbreak and stress around him. Together they make a perfect pair. Add in donuts, horses, village fair, intrusive villagers, and a secret swimming spot (that isn't so secret), and you have the amazing formula that Lulu is so good at creating over and over again.

The ALC of this is absolute perfection. James Joseph and Andi Arndt brought Holiday and Lando to life. They are two of my favorite narrators - their voices for each character are spot on, the pacing is immaculate.

Lulu Moore is one of my auto buy authors - if she writes it, I'm going to read it.

I received the ALC for this book from the author and Valentine PR. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early copy. My review is voluntary.

A feel-good romance funny, swoony, and heartfelt

My very first Lulu Moore book and it completely stole my heart. Valentine Nook is charming, heartwarming, funny, and swoony in all the best ways. From the very first chapter, I was swept into this little English village that feels so alive and cozy. The chemistry between Lando and Holiday is electric, their banter sharp and playful.

Lando is the ultimate soft-hearted grump, and seeing him slowly fall for Holiday was everything. Holiday, America’s sweetheart in search of peace, fits into the rhythms of Valentine Nook so perfectly that you can’t help but root for her. Together, they light up the page in a way that feels both magical and real.

The Story
After his disastrous “almost wedding,” Lando Burlington, the eleventh duke of Oxfordshire, has zero interest in love or his title as England’s most eligible bachelor. But when his meddling mother rents out his old house to none other than Hollywood’s darling, Holiday Simpson, everything changes. What begins as a temporary escape from the chaos of fame soon becomes so much more. Between village charm, undeniable sparks, and slow-burning chemistry, Lando and Holiday quickly realize that their script may be writing itself.

What I Loved
✔️ The swoony grump/sunshine dynamic.
✔️ The banter sharp, funny, and absolutely addictive.
✔️ The English village setting full of life, warmth, and quirky charm.
✔️ Lando’s reluctant fall into love (soft-hearted grump goals).
✔️ Holiday’s blend of vulnerability and strength.
✔️ A romance that balances swoon with genuine emotional depth.

🎧 Narration
James Joseph and Andi Arndt were the perfect match for this story. James captured Lando’s grumpy charm and emotional depth beautifully, while Andi infused Holiday with warmth, spark, and authenticity. Their performances played off each other so naturally, making the chemistry between the characters feel even more alive. The narration elevated an already delightful story into something completely immersive.

Tropes
Grumpy x Sunshine
Hollywood Star x Small Town Duke
Forced Proximity
Banter & Swoon
Found Family / Small-Town Community
Healing After Heartbreak
Off-the-charts Chemistry

Final Thoughts
Valentine Nook is the perfect feel-good romance funny, swoony, and heartfelt in equal measure. Lulu Moore strikes the perfect balance between village life charm and sizzling romance, leaving you both smiling and swooning. If you love a soft-hearted grump, a strong yet vulnerable heroine, and banter that makes you grin like a fool, this book is pure joy. I already can’t wait for whatever comes next Wylder Ranch, I’m so ready!

Small Town Village Perfection

Read this and loved it so gave the audio a try and I was not disappointed!

Joseph James was the perfect choice for the duke Lando!!! The performance from both Joseph and Andi were top notch. I enjoyed this story so much and to hear it come to life was everything!

Super cute!

Holiday and Lando are beyond adorable in this cutesie small town romance. James Joseph blew me away with his accents, and Andi Ardnt was also stunning in this dual audio. I adored watching these two pretend they weren’t into each other and then fall hard and fast. I love their support of the other, and I thought the whole family was hilarious. I am BEYOND ready for Alex and Haven!

Stunning, fun quintessential romance!

After a very public scandal with his fiancé cheating on him on the night before their wedding, Orlando, The Duke of Oxfordshire, is not interested to meet another person or entertain the idea of love in the slightest. When a Hollywood Starlet, Holiday, moves into the cottage on their property he is not pleased - but the moment he lays eyes on her and realizes who she is, he is instantly enamored by her beauty and tenacity.
Holiday is at the height of her career after winning an Oscar and at the lowest in her personal life. Burnt out and exhausted, she books a cottage in the countryside of England to recenter herself and recuperate. Their first meet is one for the books with her running away from him, but once they discover their identities, there is a level of tension that neither of them anticipated. Their attraction for one another is palpable and as much as they try to fight it, they end up falling deep into it instead.
Watching them both soften and show vulnerability with each other made their love story a beautiful one. They compliment one another in the best ways and inspire each other to be the best versions of themselves. With demanding careers where one requires constant travel and the other requires constant presence in one place, navigating how they can make their budding romance last for the long haul becomes their biggest challenge - prompting the age old question - can love conquer all? I read the novella last year and was looking forward to this story. It did not disappoint and I am excited for the rest of the series!
James Joseph and Andi Arndt were phenomenal on this title. Andi is a staple in the audiobook community and can do no wrong in my eyes - or my ears! Her work is impeccable every time and as many dozens of times I've listened to her I never tire of it. I haven't listened to a title with James on it in a long time and I am so glad I came across this one! He is incredibly talented and I hope I get to hear him on another title soon.

Delightful, Fun, and Spicy Romance!

This is a delightful, fun, and spicy romance featuring Lando, an English Duke, and Holiday, an American actress. Holiday takes to the English countryside to escape the rigors of living her life as a famous, award-winning actress, only to come across the Burlingtons, the family whose land she is staying on. Lando, the oldest of 5 siblings, takes his job and life a bit too seriously, especially after a dramatic breakup. The Burlingtons are such a fun family, and I’m excited to read the rest of the series as each sibling gets their turn at love.

Lando and Holiday’s connection is flirty and spicy as they bond over working too hard and needing to find fun in their lives. The audiobook is especially well done with the talents of Andi Ardnt and James Joseph. I loved their performances as well as the story!

In this book:
Small town/village
English Duke/Hollywood actress
Billionaire/Millionaire
Age gap
Farm living
Siblings dynamic

I LOVED LANDO & HOLIDAY!

OMG I loved Lando's grumpiness!! He comes off like it's the worst thing ever when his mother rents out Bluebell Cottage to Holiday Simpson. These two have some of the best banter and I LOVED every minute of it.

The narrators James Joseph and Andi Arndt did a wonderful job telling this story! I loved their voices and they were able to keep me entertained through the entire book.

Holiday Simpson needs to get away from Hollywood because she's exhausted and needs some peace and quiet so she can relax. But what she finds is a grumpy Lando! This makes things interesting. Both these characters have things their trying to deal with and as they spend more time together hey realize they have more in common then they think.

I loved getting to know Lando and Holiday! Their story had me swooning, giggling, smiling and I was left with such a great ending! I enjoyed all the side characters as well. This is just one of those books you can grab a coffee, blanket and get cozy with on the couch! I couldn't have asked for anything better. I HIGHLY recommend this audiobook.