Monthly Archives: December 2023

Book Review – Charm Me By Samantha Chase

There isn’t anyone in Laurel Bay he hasn’t been able to charm.

But charming a baby is a whole different story.

Life has never been better for Jamie Donovan. Always has been. And now that it’s his turn to take charge of the family pub, he truly feels like everything in his life is just the way it’s supposed to be. Or it was until an early morning knock on his door ended with a baby on his doorstep. The man who can normally charm his way out of any situation doesn’t know the first thing about taking care of a baby and running a business. And so he turns to his siblings for help.

And once they tell him their solution, he wishes he’d never asked for help.

Fallon Murphy has always prided herself on being good with people. In all her life, she’s only met one person she hasn’t been able to get along with. Unfortunately, their parents are best friends and avoiding him just wasn’t a choice. When his sister calls stating an emergency, the last thing Fallon expects is to find an abandoned baby – one that belong to Jamie. As much as she’d love nothing more than to see Jamie fail at something, she would never put an innocent child at risk.

They’re rivals.

Sworn enemies.

And now…roommates.

Can one small baby help turn adversaries into lovers? Or maybe even…a family?

Published Date: 23 May 2023

My Review

Jamie is ecstatic to oversee his family’s pub during his parents’ extended vacation, with aspirations to introduce some changes. However, his world shifts when an ex-flame unexpectedly leaves a baby at his door, claiming it’s his. As typical of the Donovans, the family unites to assist Jamie. In comes Fallon, Jamie’s former rival, now jobless and the ideal nanny candidate. As they collaborate, Jamie and Fallon begin to view each other in a new light, with Jamie recognizing past feelings for her. Once adversaries, they now coexist under one roof, caring for a baby and navigating emerging emotions.

I was captivated by Jamie and Fallon’s dynamic and Jamie’s transition to fatherhood and committed relationship. The book’s portrayal of family relationships is commendable, and the supporting characters enrich the story. The narrative’s emphasis on seeking mental health support and acknowledging vulnerabilities stands out. This engaging tale was an enjoyable, swift read that left me yearning for more.

My Rating

Happy Publication Day – 12 December 2023

The Wrong Guy By Lauren Landish

Wren Ford is the city attorney for Cold Springs—a job she takes seriously. Good thing she has a great form of stress relief: a friends-with-benefits arrangement with the well-muscled and very attentive construction worker Jesse Sullivan. Wren’s heart secretly craves more, but how can she fess up her feelings to a man who doesn’t want to get tied down?

Jesse is head over heels in love with Wren, but he can’t picture a happily ever after. What would an attorney and out-of-his-league goddess want with him? Especially when a flirty, cocky lawyer who screams money and power shows an interest in Wren.

As a scandalous high-profile split escalates from name-calling to corporate takeovers, Wren and Jesse must team up to find a way to protect the people and the town they love. And everyone in Cold Springs is rooting for them to figure out that maybe, against all odds, they’re made for each other.

Four Steps To The Perfect Revenge By Lilian Monroe

Even after their breakup, Ellie Davis can’t seem to shake her ex-fiancé. First it was the cheating, then it was the rumors, and now she finds out Jason’s been trying to get his greedy hands on her parents’ property. Where does it end? With revenge, Ellie decides.

But she might just need a little help first.

Enter Fernley Island’s OddJobs app. When the local boat mechanic she hires sends his nephew instead, Ellie has to readjust her plans to account for Hugh Hartford, who’s handsome, brooding, and only in town for a few days. But he keeps showing up, so Ellie keeps hiring him. Little does she know Hugh has his own reasons for investigating Jason Brownlow…

As more evidence against Jason turns up, so does the heat between Ellie and Hugh. But if revenge is a dish best served cold, can their spark survive—or will the secrets between them burn it out?

On The Way To Us By Carolyn Brown

He’s a tempting heap of Texas trouble…

Mercy Spenser promised her friend and roommate she’d spend her vacation in west Texas for a charitable mission—she didn’t agree to the oppressive heat, massive spiders, or the rowdy cantina next door drowning out her gospel singing. She’s not the type to sit idly by, so when she clashes with the sexy-as-hell man who runs the place, her temper is hot enough to nearly burn down the entire town.

Despite refusing to turn down his jukebox and inviting Miss Mercy to leave his cantina alone, Hunter Wilson can’t get that gospel singer with the ice-blue eyes out of his mind. Finding her again in their tiny town isn’t the problem. Convincing her that he’s interested—well, that’s another story. But if Mercy will give Hunter one more chance to show his true feelings, they just might find the love of a lifetime.

Review Card – Charm Me By Samantha Chase

There isn’t anyone in Laurel Bay he hasn’t been able to charm.

But charming a baby is a whole different story.

Life has never been better for Jamie Donovan. Always has been. And now that it’s his turn to take charge of the family pub, he truly feels like everything in his life is just the way it’s supposed to be. Or it was until an early morning knock on his door ended with a baby on his doorstep. The man who can normally charm his way out of any situation doesn’t know the first thing about taking care of a baby and running a business. And so he turns to his siblings for help.

And once they tell him their solution, he wishes he’d never asked for help.

Fallon Murphy has always prided herself on being good with people. In all her life, she’s only met one person she hasn’t been able to get along with. Unfortunately, their parents are best friends and avoiding him just wasn’t a choice. When his sister calls stating an emergency, the last thing Fallon expects is to find an abandoned baby – one that belong to Jamie. As much as she’d love nothing more than to see Jamie fail at something, she would never put an innocent child at risk.

They’re rivals.

Sworn enemies.

And now…roommates.

Can one small baby help turn adversaries into lovers? Or maybe even…a family?

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – How To Kiss Your Enemy By Jenny Proctor

How is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen?

When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school.

But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf. In the kitchen that shares a building with my farm-to-table restaurant.

And she can’t seem to keep her hands off my parmesan.

Our old rivalry flares to life faster than a flambé, but there’s something else flaming between us too. And it’s heating up quicker than anything we’re making in the kitchen.

But I can’t forget that Tatum is the daughter of Christopher Elliott—America’s most famous chef. She belongs in a big city, in a restaurant with her name on it. Not running the catering arm of Stonebrook Farm.

Whatever her reasons for being here now, I can’t see her permanently walking away from the fame and fortune her father can offer her, no matter how well she fits in on the farm—how well she fits with me.

She’ll leave eventually—I’m sure of it. I just have to make sure that when she does, she doesn’t take my heart with her.

Published Date: 9 May 2023

My Review

This book dives into the comedic romance of two chefs, Lennox and Tatum, reigniting an age-old culinary school rivalry. While Lennox carved his way to owning a restaurant, Tatum, the offspring of the famous chef Christopher Elliot, seemingly had a silver spoon in her culinary journey. Lennox is skeptical about her move from a posh LA restaurant to his family’s establishment, anticipating chaos. Their competitive nature ignites sparks, which gradually hint at deeper feelings beneath their rivalry.

This light-hearted read offers a blend of rivalry, a chef-centric theme, a charming family farm setting, and the evolution of competition into affection. Set amidst the scenic backdrop of Carolina’s woodlands, it intertwines forced closeness with genuine moments of connection. A breezy read with a dash of romance and minimal drama. For those familiar with the series, this third entry promises to be as delightful as its predecessors.

My Rating

Review Card – How To Kiss Your Enemy By Jenny Proctor

How is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen?

When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school.

But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf. In the kitchen that shares a building with my farm-to-table restaurant.

And she can’t seem to keep her hands off my parmesan.

Our old rivalry flares to life faster than a flambé, but there’s something else flaming between us too. And it’s heating up quicker than anything we’re making in the kitchen.

But I can’t forget that Tatum is the daughter of Christopher Elliott—America’s most famous chef. She belongs in a big city, in a restaurant with her name on it. Not running the catering arm of Stonebrook Farm.

Whatever her reasons for being here now, I can’t see her permanently walking away from the fame and fortune her father can offer her, no matter how well she fits in on the farm—how well she fits with me.

She’ll leave eventually—I’m sure of it. I just have to make sure that when she does, she doesn’t take my heart with her.

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – Winter Whimsy at Golden Sands Bay By Georgina Troy

When Lexi Davies discovers that her father has sold the fishermen’s cottages that she lives in and runs as holiday lets, she is furious and heartbroken. Lexi realises that her whole future at her beloved cottages is now over.
New owner, handsome, Scottish entrepreneur Oliver Whimsy arrives on the island in a blaze of glory and immediately upsets the locals.
When he offers Lexi her old job, she’s unsure whether to accept but needing a roof over her head for the winter, she finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place. Pride does not pay the bills.
As they get to know one another, there’s far more to Oliver Whimsy than she or anyone else had imagined.
What heartache is Oliver trying so desperately to hide from?
And why was he so determined to buy the cottages?
Lexi is on a mission to find out…

Published Date: 19 May 2023

My Review

29-year-old Lexi inherits three fishermen’s cottages after her mother’s death, her only source of income. However, she’s stunned when Scottish businessman, Oliver Whimsy, claims he bought them from Lexi’s father. Suspicious of her father’s new girlfriend’s role in the sale, Lexi is left jobless and homeless. Oliver, showing a softer side, offers Lexi a typing job and lets her stay in a cottage. Despite the island community’s initial reservations about Oliver, Lexi discovers his true, kind-hearted nature and learns why he was so drawn to the cottages.

This is brilliantly penned by Georgina. She captivates you right from the beginning with her inviting and heartwarming narrative. While reading, it felt less like going through a book and more like a conversation with a dear friend. Georgina’s vivid descriptions made “The Broadwalk By The Sea” come to life, tempting me to vacation there instantly. I felt immersed in the story, a testament to her genuine storytelling. This book was a pure joy to read, and by the end, I felt comforted, akin to sipping a warm beverage.

My Rating

Review Card – Winter Whimsy at Golden Sands Bay By Georgina Troy

When Lexi Davies discovers that her father has sold the fishermen’s cottages that she lives in and runs as holiday lets, she is furious and heartbroken. Lexi realises that her whole future at her beloved cottages is now over.
New owner, handsome, Scottish entrepreneur Oliver Whimsy arrives on the island in a blaze of glory and immediately upsets the locals.
When he offers Lexi her old job, she’s unsure whether to accept but needing a roof over her head for the winter, she finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place. Pride does not pay the bills.
As they get to know one another, there’s far more to Oliver Whimsy than she or anyone else had imagined.
What heartache is Oliver trying so desperately to hide from?
And why was he so determined to buy the cottages?
Lexi is on a mission to find out…

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – The Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home By Sarah Hope

Life could not be busier for Ginny and the team at Wagging Tails.

The annual dog show is looming, a crucial event when it comes to fundraising and ensuring the volunteers can continue the brilliant work they do.

But their trusted newspaper reporter, who always includes them in his weekly column, is retiring, only to be replaced with a city-slicker named Darryl. And Darryl, as Ginny soon learns, has no interest in articles he deems ‘below him’.

Not one to take no as an answer, Ginny becomes determined to get him to meet the dogs themselves. One look at their cute faces and they’ll worm their way into his heart.

But what Ginny doesn’t anticipate is that Darryl might be more open-hearted than he seems. And inviting him to the dogs’ home might be the best decision she ever made – even if she doesn’t realise it at first!

Published Date: 31 May 2023

My Review

After a painful breakup, Ginny devoted 4 years to the Wagging Tails Dogs Home. As she plans their major annual fundraiser, she’s surprised to find that the local paper hasn’t advertised the event because her usual contact retired, and the new journalist, Darryl, is uninterested. Determined, Ginny tries to convince Darryl of the shelter’s importance, hoping to save the event and the shelter itself. The outcome hinges on whether she can win him over.

Initially, Ginny is perplexed by Darryl’s behavior, who is resistant to supporting the dogs’ home and comes off as arrogant. However, he unexpectedly changes his stance. As the story unfolds, the reasons behind Darryl’s behavior become clear, though Ginny struggles to move past her own prior traumas. Their budding relationship is interspersed with charming moments, including interactions with endearing dogs like Luna, whose antics are vividly described by Hope. Both protagonists face personal challenges obstructing their romance, yet the journey of overcoming these barriers while navigating the complexities of running a shelter is engaging.

My Rating

Review Card – The Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home By Sarah Hope

Life could not be busier for Ginny and the team at Wagging Tails.

The annual dog show is looming, a crucial event when it comes to fundraising and ensuring the volunteers can continue the brilliant work they do.

But their trusted newspaper reporter, who always includes them in his w eekly column, is retiring, only to be replaced with a city-slicker named Darryl. And Darryl, as Ginny soon learns, has no interest in articles he deems ‘below him’.

Not one to take no as an answer, Ginny becomes determined to get him to meet the dogs themselves. One look at their cute faces and they’ll worm their way into his heart.

But what Ginny doesn’t anticipate is that Darryl might be more open-hearted than he seems. And inviting him to the dogs’ home might be the best decision she ever made – even if she doesn’t realise it at first!

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 5 December 2023

Fake-ish By Winter Renshaw

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride—and that’s the way I like it.

I may be anti-marriage, but I’m still pro-romance. Case in point? That sexy curmudgeon I met last year during my cousin’s tropical bachelorette getaway.

That grump was Dorian, the groom’s old college roommate, there for the bachelor party. I couldn’t get enough of his messy brown hair and gorgeous turquoise eyes. We connected on a deep level—emotionally and physically.

But the timing wasn’t right. So we made a pact to reconnect in two years. Now I’m starting a new “job.” It’ll take a lot of work and pays really well—I’m talking seven figures here. All I have to do is pretend to be my boss’s new fiancée…and spend eight weeks with his family on their private island. How hard could it be?

Turns out, a lot harder than I thought. Because the man I’m pretending to love? He’s Dorian’s brother, and now all bets are off…

My Darling Bride By Ilsa Madden-Mills

On a normal day, Emmaline Darling isn’t a car thief. She’s just a simple girl who runs a bookstore and adores cats. But when she’s stranded in the desert and needs to get away from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, she picks her only option: swiping the keys to a famous football player’s Lamborghini and speeding away.

Football star Graham Harlan is in chaos. First he took a hit on the field that left him with a near-death experience, and now he’s promised his brother he’ll get married to secure the family inheritance. Trouble is he isn’t even seeing anyone.

Then a mystery woman steals his car. With his usual stubbornness, he tracks her all the way to Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum: marry me or I’ll press charges.

Her choice is obvious, only neither of them expect the sparks that ignite between them.

As the end of their arrangement looms, will Graham take a chance on love or let his darling walk away forever?