Monthly Archives: October 2023

Review Card – New Beginnings In The Little Irish Village By Michelle Vernal

Welcome to the little Irish village of Emerald Bay where the sun is shining, the locals are gossiping, and romance is in the air. But will returning home be the fresh start Imogen Kelly needs?

Thirty-two-year-old Imogen Kelly is meant to be living her best life in Dublin but the bright lights of the city aren’t making her truly happy. So she leaps at the chance to take on an interior design job at the big country manor at the edge of Emerald Bay. It also gives Imogen an excuse to return to the place where she spent an unforgettable summer with her first love, Lachlan Leslie, the heir to Benmore House.

Imogen’s heart is full of hope at the thought of seeing her childhood sweetheart but on the way there she nearly has an accident on the winding, muddy country road. She arrives at Benmore House late and flustered, only to discover the builder working with her on the renovation project is none other than Ryan O’Malley – the class prankster who was forever pinging her bra strap at school.

Within seconds it’s clear he’s still a cheeky charmer, even if he’s transformed into a gorgeous guy who unexpectedly sets her pulse racing. Forced into close proximity with relentlessly cheerful Ryan, who’s forever (badly) singing rock ballads at the top of his voice, Imogen at first finds him an annoying distraction.

With St Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, Imogen has her work cut out to keep the job on track. Spending more time with Ryan, she discovers that, behind his warm smile and generous ways, he’s nursing heartache. But when she finally sees blue-eyed Lachlan again,Imogen has to face up to the truth about the secret summer romance they shared.

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – CEO’s Pregnant Lover By Leslie North

Never mix business with pleasure…

Klutzy, adorable Brianna Daughtry is nothing like the women Trent Caldwell is usually attracted to. The handsome, cold-hearted billionaire goes for bimbos and eye-candy who look good on his arm, women who won’t make a fuss when things end. But Brianna, his new temporary assistant, is nothing like that at all…

She’s the sort of woman who can make a man’s heart beat faster. And make him wish he were a different man…a better man. The type of woman Trent usually avoids at all costs. Except, he can’t. And even if he could, his heart doesn’t want to…

Brianna can’t believe someone like Trent could be remotely attracted to her. But she can’t deny that his smoldering looks, his lingering touches, and his intoxicating kisses tell her otherwise. Yes, he’s maddeningly overbearing and arrogant. But somehow, the alpha businessman has a sweet side as well.

Even with Trent’s old nemesis casting a shadow over their happiness, it seems her dreams of forever may come true. Until a devastating turn of events threatens to tear everything they’ve built apart…

Published Date: 20 April 2023

My Review

Briana affects Trent differently than anyone ever has. She isn’t combative or forceful, yet with her calm demeanor, she easily disarms him. Her occasional sass combined with her vulnerability awakens Trent’s protective side. She makes him desire something unprecedented for him: a commitment to eternity.

I’m captivated by how Briana, with her subtle and efficient nature, throws a usually self-assured Trent off balance. Seeing him uncertain and rethinking his moves is endearing. However, this gentle narrative takes a distressing turn, leading to a tragic event that reflects every parent’s deepest fear. This forces Trent to confront his inability to shield Briana and Faith from relentless adversaries. The story’s conclusion was a disappointment for me. The abrupt change in tone was unsettling. While I grasped why Trent became so dominant in Briana’s life, I wished she’d asserted herself more. Still, given its brevity, the story accomplishes a lot.

My Rating

Review Card – CEO’s Pregnant Lover By Leslie North

Never mix business with pleasure…

Klutzy, adorable Brianna Daughtry is nothing like the women Trent Caldwell is usually attracted to. The handsome, cold-hearted billionaire goes for bimbos and eye-candy who look good on his arm, women who won’t make a fuss when things end. But Brianna, his new temporary assistant, is nothing like that at all…

She’s the sort of woman who can make a man’s heart beat faster. And make him wish he were a different man…a better man. The type of woman Trent usually avoids at all costs. Except, he can’t. And even if he could, his heart doesn’t want to…

Brianna can’t believe someone like Trent could be remotely attracted to her. But she can’t deny that his smoldering looks, his lingering touches, and his intoxicating kisses tell her otherwise. Yes, he’s maddeningly overbearing and arrogant. But somehow, the alpha businessman has a sweet side as well.

Even with Trent’s old nemesis casting a shadow over their happiness, it seems her dreams of forever may come true. Until a devastating turn of events threatens to tear everything they’ve built apart…

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 16 October 2023

Friends With Benefits By Laura Carter

A high-flying investor

New Yorker Jake Harrington loves a lot of things about living in London: his lucrative hedge fund job, the way British women melt at the sound of an American accent, being thousands of miles away from the girl who betrayed him. And, oh yes, his just-sex arrangement with his gorgeous roommate, Jess.

His sexy British flatmate

Jess’s deal with Jake suits her fine. No commitments, no risk of being hurt again, just fun and friendship. And friends do each other favors, like agreeing to go on a trip to New York where Jake will have to face his past.

And a vacation that will change everything…

What friends shouldn’t do? Suddenly find themselves feeling something much more complicated than simple lust. When “no strings” is no longer enough, will Jake be willing to take the ultimate gamble?

Above ‘N’ Beyond By Tee O’Fallon

Getting locked up had been easy. But for K-9 Sergeant Jamie Pataglio, going undercover at a maximum-security prison—and infiltrating the Mancusco crime family—was the hard part. Now, six months later, Jamie’s been accepted as one of the mob’s own, and he’s walking out of the gates as a free man…and stepping into the criminal underworld. There’s only one small, gorgeous problem: Bella Bianco.

The Italian bistro used to be Bella’s pride and joy. Now it’s become a nightmare, where her violent family uses her restaurant as its criminal home base. Guilty by association. She needs to find a way out, and fast. The last thing Bella needs is an attraction to their newest “associate”—even if every moment alone with him leaves her breathless. It’s almost enough to make her reconsider her “no mobsters” policy…

They can’t trust each other. But if either of them ever wants to break free of their circumstances, they don’t have a choice. They’ll have to take down her family. And if anyone finds out they’re working together…they’re both dead.

Book Review – Talk Of The Town By Jennifer Bardsley

In this lighthearted romance filled with small-town humor and high jinks, an unsuspecting real estate agent becomes the wildest dream come true for all the single moms—except the one he wants.

They’re coworkers, friends, and confidants, but Peter Marshal has always pined for a little something more with Noelle Walters. As a widow and a single mom, Noelle prefers to play it safe, and falling for Peter was never part of the plan.

Then again, neither of their plans accounted for the well-meaning but meddling actions of Peter’s sister, who offers him up as their town’s most eligible bachelor in the local moms’ Facebook group. He’s none the wiser about the source of this sudden surge in attention, but he only has eyes for Noelle. And from where she’s standing on the sidelines of Peter’s popularity, it’s getting harder to pretend that she doesn’t see what everyone else sees in her best friend.

With all eyes on them, will Peter and Noelle finally see beyond the hurdles to the happily ever after that’s been there all along?

Published Date: 11 April 2023

My Review

Peter, now the town’s most eligible bachelor due to his sister’s social media antics, is a realtor grappling with hidden feelings for his best friend and colleague. Unknown to him, she might not be ready for a relationship. Noelle, a single mother since the loss of her husband, is immersed in her career and her son’s life, aiming never to revert to her old life. While she treasures her bond with Peter, seeing him chased by other women leaves her pondering ‘what if?’

This tale gently transitions from friendship to romance, showcasing a close-knit group of friends navigating life’s challenges. It’s interspersed with humorous moments that keep you eagerly flipping pages. I found it tough to set aside. The author masterfully intertwines complex narratives into a heartwarming romance. The camaraderie among the single mothers was a highlight, adding depth and charm to an already captivating tale.

My Rating

Review Card – Talk Of The Town By Jennifer Bardsley

They’re coworkers, friends, and confidants, but Peter Marshal has always pined for a little something more with Noelle Walters. As a widow and a single mom, Noelle prefers to play it safe, and falling for Peter was never part of the plan.

Then again, neither of their plans accounted for the well-meaning but meddling actions of Peter’s sister, who offers him up as their town’s most eligible bachelor in the local moms’ Facebook group. He’s none the wiser about the source of this sudden surge in attention, but he only has eyes for Noelle. And from where she’s standing on the sidelines of Peter’s popularity, it’s getting harder to pretend that she doesn’t see what everyone else sees in her best friend.

With all eyes on them, will Peter and Noelle finally see beyond the hurdles to the happily ever after that’s been there all along?

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 14 October 2023

The Bramble Patch Craft Shop By Sarah Hope

Escape into a world of fresh starts, new friends and the opportunity for love…

When Molly Wilson and her two children are forced to leave their old lives behind, will a small rundown shop in the middle of Payton-On-The-Water, a quiet village in the English countryside, offer the fresh start they need?

Desperate to immerse herself and her family into village life, Molly begins to host regular Knit and Natter meetups, but she fears she is taking on too much and the reality that she is totally alone is ever present.

Between difficult dealings with the local law enforcement, Officer Duffey, and trying to settle her two homesick children into a new way of life, Molly has enough on her hands. So when a late night incident with a flat tyre brings Officer Duffey on the scene, she doesn’t know if he will help or hinder her rescue. Is there more to Officer Duffey than his spikey exterior?

Book Review – Love Blooms At The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Romance has never been so sweet…
While Holly Berry may have finally purchased Just One More and landed a date with one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most eligible bachelors, it is far from plain sailing. 

A face from the past threatens to torpedo Holly’s fledgling relationship before it even gets going. 

Will everything go according to plan? Or is Holly’s dream life at risk of turning sour?

Published Date: 27 April 2023

My Review

Holly Berry’s journey at the “Just One More” sweet shop unfolds as she embraces her new world with the hint of a budding romance. Holly is fond of her new surroundings, the friendships she’s formed, and her potential romance with the stern Ben. However, when an unexpected figure from her past appears at the worst time, it threatens her budding relationship with Ben.

Distracting herself, Holly dedicates time to volunteering at the nearby elderly care home where she bonds with a lively and flamboyant resident. As her personal life becomes tumultuous, Holly organizes a community auction to fundraise for a dance at the care home, offering two hours of her expertise in a cooking masterclass to the highest bidder.

This tale offers a delightful romance sprinkled with hilarious moments, making it hard to stop turning the pages. Reconnecting with Holly felt like catching up with a dear friend. The vivid descriptions brought the characters and the world to life, immersing me in the narrative. In summary, it was a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

My Rating

Happy Publication Day – 13 October 2023

Take Me Home By Beth Moran

Sophie Potter’s job is helping people deal with the worst, because Sophie Potter knows what the worst feels like.

An expert at keeping moving, with her trusty motorhome and faithful dog Muffin, Sophie has built her life around keeping her loves and loyalties to a minimum.

Fabulous fifty-something Hattie Langford has kept her heart and past safely stored away too. But for reasons she’s only willing to share with a stranger, Hattie needs to tell the story her family has been hiding at Riverbend, their home in Sherwood Forest. There is a history of heartbreak and hurt that Hattie is now ready to face.

As Sophie helps Hattie uncover the secrets of generations of women who have lived at Riverbend, along with the stories of the men they have loved and lost, they start to see echoes in their own pasts. And as Riverbend shares its biggest secret of all, can Hattie and Sophie finally embrace the lives they’ve put on hold for so long, and risk giving their hearts to men who just might break the Riverbend curse?

All Wrapped Up By Kimberly Kincaid

Ingredients:

One former firefighter who’s hiding out, managing a small-town bar so he can forget his haunted past. One headstrong reporter—a.k.a. the woman who got away—assigned to break the story when he runs into a burning building to save a little boy. Seven years since they’ve seen each other after their scorching summer fling

Stir in old hurts, brand-new chemistry that burns hotter than ever, and his sister’s Christmas wedding, where his past becomes the story of the century.

More Than A Match By Brooklyn Bell

Love is the ultimate game. And this matchmaker plays for keeps.

Elite matchmaker Cher Thatcher always gets her man. But true love is the risk she never thought she’d take for herself … Until now.

New York Fashion Week isn’t just the ultimate glamorous getaway for Cher and her best friend, billionaire and international heart-throb Owen Hawking. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to finally make the leap from friends to lovers. But the glittering lights and epic after-parties have a few unexpected twists in store.

For one thing, Channing Stanbury, the dangerously handsome playboy from Cher’s past, has just unexpectedly waltzed back into her life. And Owen’s old flame—who happens to be a supermodel—is stealing the spotlight at the hottest runway show of the year.

Sparks are flying, champagne is flowing, and the fashion scene is sizzling. Will Cher finally find her own happily ever after among all the sparks? Or will her chance at a real relationship with both Owen and Channing slip through her fingers?

Review Book – Love Blooms At The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Romance has never been so sweet…
While Holly Berry may have finally purchased Just One More and landed a date with one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most eligible bachelors, it is far from plain sailing. 

A face from the past threatens to torpedo Holly’s fledgling relationship before it even gets going. 

Will everything go according to plan? Or is Holly’s dream life at risk of turning sour?

About The Author

Link To Purchase