February 2023 – My Sanctuary

Happy Publication Day – 28 February 2023

Things I Wrote About By Kelsey Humphreys

Their story started over ten years ago but nothing brings out plot holes and character flaws like being stuck together on a private island for a week…

Sadie Canton writes America’s favorite romance novels. She’s created one hit happy ending after another, all while avoiding her own painful cliffhanger.

But she can’t avoid him anymore.

Her sister’s wedding is forcing her to face her demons, her secrets and most of all her best friend turned bitter enemy, Shep Riggs.

The boy she knew is gone and the man before her is angry, arrogant, competitive, and hot as the Caribbean sun bearing down on them. Sadie planned for this. It’s time to be the hero of her own story, face her past and close that chapter of her life for good.

She’s ready for her villain and his jabs, his smirk, even his eightpack.

What she’s not ready for is Shep’s side of the story, and he’s determined to tell it — rough, unedited, and nowhere near The End.

Happy Publication Day – 27 February 2023

A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife By Jo Bartlett

A forever love…or a future dashed?

Midwife Ella Mehenick can’t wait to marry the love of her life, Dan Ferguson. They have both waited so long for their perfect day, and they know their future together will be everything they’ve ever dreamed of. But when Ella suddenly and unexpectedly collapses – all plans are put on hold.

Dan just wants Ella to get better, but Ella, so used to caring for others, struggles to accept she needs care herself. She doesn’t want Dan to give up everything for her and suddenly the life they dreamed of seems to be slipping through their fingers…

Once rock solid, Ella and Dan suddenly seem further apart than ever before. Can they find a path back to their happy ever after or will Ella’s change of heart risk everything they love?

Book Review – Sugar And Spice By Kimberly Kincaid

Ingredients:

One by-the-book cake caterer

One rule-breaking hotshot pastry chef

One prize in a Christmas cookie competition that will skyrocket both of their careers

Mix well and add a whole lot of heat that doesn’t stay in the kitchen.

Serve with a side of opposites attract, holiday cheer, and a hard-fought happily ever after.

Published Date: 15 November 2022

My Review

Pete have an aim to be a Pastry Chef @ L’Orangerie and he will do what it take to get the position. In order to bring him closer to his ambition, he need to win the cookie competition. Lily on the other hand, want to own a bakery shop as baking at home is getting harder for her and when she hears about the cookie competition, she knew winning would make pave the way for her.

They started as fierce competitors but it doesn’t take too long for the sparks to fly. Both of them are thrown together during the competition a number of times as team mates, Lily started to get to know the real Pete and she likes what she see very much.

Overall, it is a quick to read love romance definitely full of sugar and spice.

My Rating

Review Card – Sugar And Spice By Kimberly Kincaid

Ingredients:

One by-the-book cake caterer

One rule-breaking hotshot pastry chef

One prize in a Christmas cookie competition that will skyrocket both of their careers

Mix well and add a whole lot of heat that doesn’t stay in the kitchen.

Serve with a side of opposites attract, holiday cheer, and a hard-fought happily ever after.

About The Author

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters

Link To Purchase

Book Review – How To Kiss Your Grumpy Boss By Jenny Proctor

Perry Hawthorne is my boss. Only my boss. And I do NOT have a crush.

When one of THE Hawthorne brothers—known by their chiseled jawlines and their family-run farm and event center—hires me to be his virtual assistant, I do everything I can to keep him firmly in the work zone.

His grumpy demeanor helps.

His smoking hot profile picture does not.

But even if I do have a crush (a very tiny one), I can’t catch real feelings for a million different reasons.

Besides the whole business part of our relationship, I’m a single mom. I have to think about what’s best for my son, Jack. And my grumpy, divorced, humorless boss isn’t exactly giving me “ready to be a stepdad” vibes.

When Perry upgrades me from virtual to in-person assistant, I wonder if I’ve gotten him all wrong. He’s actually pretty great with Jack. And with me? Let’s just say the chemistry crackling between us might vaporize all my reasons for keeping my distance.

Trouble is, after his messy divorce, I’m not sure Perry’s ready to bet on a new relationship. But it isn’t just my heart that’s on the line. It’s Jack’s, too. And after everything we went through before my husband died, I’m not sure that’s a gamble I’m ready to take, no matter how desperate Jack is for a daddy.

Published Date : 1 November 2022

My Review

Lila was hired by Perry to be his virtual assistant to help him get organised. Perry is a serious and grumpy boss but he is hardworking and very protective of those that he loved. Lila is a single mom who has been through a lot and is determined to provide a better life for her son, Jack. Everything seem to be going well until he meet Lila in person.

The book carry a messy yet complex storyline. Not just with both characters having a very different personality but when there is a child involved. When they finally meet face to face, there is an instant sparks between and I love their amazing banter. As the story develop, their instant connection grow into something wonderful to read. The character is well developed and I truly love them very much.

My Rating

Happy Publication Day – 23 February 2023

Return To Lilacwell By Sasha Morgan

Will Lilacwell works its magic once more?

Times are changing in Lilacwell. Not only have Jasper and Adira settled into The Laurels manor, newly engaged and firmly casting off the shackles of their respective city lives, but Adira’s friend and ex-colleague, Rory, is now also looking to leave London for the quiet beauty of the Forest of Bowland.

Sparks flew when he and Lilacwell’s innkeeper, Cassie, met at the summer party a few months ago, but Cassie has been loved and left before and is reluctant to put all her trust in Rory, who might return to his promising law career for the right offer.

With Jasper and Adira’s wedding just around the corner, love is in the air for Lilacwell, and some big changes

Happy Publication Day – 22 February 2023

Dreams Come True At Primrose Hall By Jill Steeples

‘A gorgeous setting and wonderful characters, just the loveliest place to cosy up and escape to.’ Beth Moran

Pia Temple has always had a soft spot for Jackson Moody following a passionate teenage love affair that burnt out over one long summer, more than ten years ago. First loves can be hard to forget, and the devastatingly gorgeous Jackson, is harder to forget than most.

After putting aside her ambitions while she cared for her parents, it is finally time for Pia to think about herself. So, when she’s offered the perfect job running the social calendar at Primrose Hall, with a dreamy flat included, how can she refuse? There’s only one problem… The new owner of the refurbished seventeenth-century manor house set in the idyllic Primrose Woods, is none other than Jackson, the man she’s thought about every day for years.

In a whirl of weddings and craft fairs, literary festivals and tea parties, Pia blossoms in her new role. But with the delectable Jackson a daily distraction, maybe this isn’t the dream job after all – especially when Jackson’s unfeasibly beautiful ex-girlfriend Tara, comes back to visit the hall…

Happy Publication Day – 21 February 2023

Her Unexpected Match By Lacey Baker

Travel writer Allie Sparks has one goal: to find the story that will save her career. So here she is, visiting her bestie on picturesque Crescent Island—with sun-warmed beaches, the briny smell of the ocean, and rumors of a secret astrologer-matchmaker who guarantees love. Of course, Allie doesn’t believe in any of that stuff. If anything, she’ll prove it’s a total scam.

Ryan Parker believes in love—just not right now. He’s focused on expanding his family’s barbeque business, finding investors, and keeping his too-big Great Dane puppy from jumping on everyone, including his sister’s pretty, whiskey-eyed best friend. Besides, falling for a tourist is definitely not in his astrological forecast.

Allie is doing everything she can to resist the charm of the town and its beauty, not to mention her attraction to Ryan. But there’s a lot more happening on Crescent Island than anyone knows…and when her story goes to print, this tiny, close-knit town might never be the same.

Save The Best For Last By Jennifer Probst

They’re the best of enemies—both in need of a change—thrown together by a challenging twist of fate in a warm and witty romance by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Tessa Harper, makeover queen of a self-care media empire, loves a challenge. But when she’s forced to satisfy her female readership’s growing interest in sports, Tessa reluctantly seeks out Ford Maddox. The popular sportscaster, annoying friend of her bestie, and long-time sparring partner agrees to strike a deal. He’ll give Tessa his expertise if she’ll give him hers. Namely a makeover to help him get past the friend zone with the woman of his dreams.

Ford has always considered Tessa to be nothing more than a pampered elitist. But if she can turn his rough style and attitude into boyfriend material, it’s worth the aggravation. The plan is working. The problem is, Ford’s also starting to see Tessa in a new light. And there’s more to the complicated woman than meets the eye.

Ford is falling hard. But is he ready to give up his ideal love to take a chance on an opinionated, independent spitfire who’s turning his life—and his heart—upside down?

Review Card – How To Kiss Your Grumpy Boss By Jenny Proctor

Perry Hawthorne is my boss. Only my boss. And I do NOT have a crush.

His grumpy demeanor helps.

His smoking hot profile picture does not.

But even if I do have a crush (a very tiny one), I can’t catch real feelings for a million different reasons.

About The Author

Jenny Proctor was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she still considers one of the loveliest on earth. She and her husband currently reside in the Charleston, SC area and stay busy keeping up with six children and a growing assortment of pets. She loves to hike with her family and spend time outdoors, but she also adores lounging around her home, reading great books or watching great movies and, when she’s lucky, eating delicious food she doesn’t have to prepare herself. Jenny’s romantic comedy LOVE AT FIRST NOTEwas a 2016 Whitney Award Winner in the Contemporary Romance category.

Link To Purchase

Book Review – The Wrong Bridesmaid By Lauren Landish

Opposites don’t just attract—they ignite—in a flirty against-all-odds romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Lauren Landish.

Wyatt Ford hightailed it out of Cold Springs to get away from his influential family and the unwanted privilege that came with it. Returning for his brother’s wedding dredges up every reason he left. One unexpected bright spot: a curvy knockout who slings burgers, hustles pool…and hates the last name Ford.

Hazel Sullivan is fiercely independent and happy to be maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding, but she isn’t looking for romance. Especially not with a man whose family is dividing her town into a battleground with their development plans. Fighting the family is easy. Fighting Wyatt? Not so much. Why does the enemy have to be so drop-dead gorgeous?

The sparks that fly between Hazel and Wyatt might start out as combat, but one kiss and it’s total surrender. How is a happy ever after even possible for two people with so little in common? Except, of course, for an overwhelming attraction and that growing temptation to say “I do” themselves.

Published Date : 25 October 2022

My Review

Wyatt left Cold Spring to get away from his uncle’s manipulative way and to escape his family’s legacy. To him, this is the only way out for him to prove himself to his father his worthiness. He have no intention to return to Cold Spring up to until his brother’s plea for him to return to witness his wedding.

Wyatt met Hazel upon arriving in town and the attraction is immediate. Hazel is going to be her best friend’s bridesmaid and as both of them prepare for their roles in the wedding, they keep trying to avoid each other but to no avail.

This book is funny and sweet and I like reading the way Wyatt and Hazel’s relationship develop. Love the banter and chemistry between them. Wyatt is rough on the outside who isn’t bad after all and Hazel being sassy and sharp tongue who put people on their place.

My Rating