Phoebe Spencer left home a long time ago, desperate to get away from her mother’s emotional manipulation. She knows her life is better away from her family, but she can’t help feeling she’s simply running away from her problems…
Then Phoebe hears that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared, leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Darcy. Phoebe’s certain Lucy will be back soon – she’d never leave Darcy alone – and then Phoebe can get on with her life again.
But as the days pass there’s still no sign of Lucy, and everyone begins to fear the worst. Phoebe has to consider the terrible truth that Lucy might never come home. And as their mother makes it clear she wants to take control of Darcy’s life, Phoebe must do all she can to protect the girl her sister left behind – no matter the cost to her.
Strong and steady, tough and tender—no wonder cowboys are so irresistible, especially in this trio of novellas from three bestselling authors . . .
THE HAWK’S SHADOW * Diana Palmer Gil needs to prove himself in his new role as sheriff’s investigator. That means working alongside a hotshot expert from the state crime lab who’s come to Colorado to help untangle a long-ago mystery. But if they stop butting heads, they might discover a surprising connection . . .
RESCUE: RANCHER STYLE * Rebecca Zanetti Leaving the Marines and returning to Redemption as heir to the family ranch—and guardian to three wayward teenagers—Greg is in way over his head. But he’s learned some deadly lessons since leaving his first love behind. And when she’s in danger, nothing will stop him from saving her.
A COWBOY KIND OF ROMANCE * Delores Fossen After eight years in the Air Force, Brenna’s hanging up her uniform and returning home to Loveland, Texas. News of her parents’ separation has shaken her faith in love, even if the whole town is eager to matchmake between Brenna and her high-school flame. But never underestimate a cowboy’s powers of persuasion . . .
Ann and Rhonda continue to deal with guests at The Beach House Hotel on the Gulf Coast of Florida, including Bobby “Bugs” Bailey, a star player in the NFL. At the Vice-President’s suggestion, Bobby’s coach has sent him there to work to help adjust his behavior after Bobby’s life of fame gets out of control. There’s no one better to handle someone like that then soft-spoken Ann and outrageous Rhonda, who declares it’s time for Bobby to wake up and smell the coffee.
Tina Marks, the movie star Ann and Rhonda helped earlier, arrives with her two children and, Sydney Harris, her nanny who Tina has taken in after a bad family situation.
Published Date: 27 June 2023
My Review
This installment is the newest addition to the Beach House Hotel series. Although starting from the beginning is ideal for newcomers, the author skillfully recaps earlier characters and events in the initial chapters. The Beach House Hotel, though small, has garnered a noteworthy reputation for its excellent service, cuisine, and events, thanks to owners Ann and Rhonda. Renowned for assisting troubled individuals, they embark on helping an NFL player struggling with fame. The narrative weaves themes of love for family, business, and community, while the protagonists, Ann and Rhonda, navigate challenges posed by antagonists. A delightful summer read suitable for teens and beyond.
Annabella Mason of the St Louis Masons is expected to marry the perfect guy—aka a straight up business deal to save her dad’s company, that is. Before signing away her freedom, she books a flight to Anywhere But Here and ends up at a bar called The Drowned Rat, chatting up a handsome stranger and calling for shots of tequila–this delightful drink she’s never had before. And delightful drinks you’ve never had before may or may not get you accidentally married to handsome strangers at bars.
Ian Jackson has no interest in playing the marriage game again. After his first wife ran off with the town butcher—the town butcher!—he lost all faith in true love and other maniacal myths. So when he suddenly wakes up married to a gorgeous stranger, he knows exactly what to do–call his judge friend and get the thing annulled. Only, His Honor is not so amused by the circumstances and requires that the two live together for 30 days before he’ll annul the marriage.
Can Annabella’s high society heels survive Ian’s small town grouchiness for 30 days—without actually falling for each other?
The Last Days Of You And Me By Debbie Howells
They didn’t know – when Winter gave way to Spring that year – that their lives were all about to change…
Marnie didn’t realise – when she stormed into a bookshop one day, demanding a self-help book – that she was about to make a new best friend.
Bookshop-owner Rae didn’t know she had been living like a shadow since her parents died. But then Marnie exploded into her life. And suddenly she realised things had to change… more so when she meets handsome nurse, Jack.
And when Forrest’s life is turned upside down by a fatal car crash, he knew he was being given a second chance, but didn’t know why. He thinks Marnie might just be the woman he’s destined to be with. But – as she discovers that she has an illness she may never recover from – what if it’s too late for them?
Can it ever be too late though? To make friendships that change everything. To grow, to change, to start again. Even – for two unlikely new best friends to find love at last…?
Work It Out By Eva Siedler
With the lead role in a huge action film up for grabs, actor Jake Newman has ninety days to get in shape. How does a man grow abs without the tabloids watching his every move? By sneaking off to a high-end health resort in his Arizona hometown to supersize his biceps…Thor style. Oh, and hope no one discovers the real reason he bailed from Los Angeles—or the teeny little health issue he’s hoping to keep from everyone.
Especially his cute, sunshiny, and absolute hard-ass new trainer.
Former gymnast Rayah Summers has poured everything she has into her desert dream: a full-service resort that helps people transform their bodies and lifestyles. But a run of bad luck has her on the brink of bankruptcy —and the Hollywood hunk with insanely sexy dimples is all that’s standing between her and disaster.
Now everything depends on her success: her future, her roof over her head, and especially her trainers—who are more family than employees. Rayah can’t afford for anything to go wrong… and no one’s able to explain why Jake Newman keeps collapsing during even the lightest workouts.
Now it’s a balance beam nightmare, with Rayah trying to keep her business afloat—all while managing her staff’s drama, keeping her celebrity client a secret, and not falling for him or his devilishly sexy grin. And it’s just a matter of time before Jake’s secrets threaten not only her dreams, but the chosen family she’s found…
Ann and Rhonda continue to deal with guests at The Beach House Hotel on the Gulf Coast of Florida, including Bobby “Bugs” Bailey, a star player in the NFL. At the Vice-President’s suggestion, Bobby’s coach has sent him there to work to help adjust his behavior after Bobby’s life of fame gets out of control. There’s no one better to handle someone like that then soft-spoken Ann and outrageous Rhonda, who declares it’s time for Bobby to wake up and smell the coffee.
Tina Marks, the movie star Ann and Rhonda helped earlier, arrives with her two children and, Sydney Harris, her nanny who Tina has taken in after a bad family situation.
Secrets And Sunshine By The Sunflower Cliffs By Georgina Troy
When shoe designer Paige Bingham is jilted she decides to enjoy her honeymoon-for-one in Sorrento. What she doesn’t expect is to meet a mysterious entrepreneur, Sebastian Fielding, when she gets there. He helps ease the sting of rejection as he introduces her to the ancient sites he knows and loves.
Unfortunately, soon after Paige returns to her island home in Jersey, she discovers that not only is Sebastian’s company taking over the struggling store where her business is based, but that her concession is probably surplus to his requirements.
How can Paige stop her fledgling business from going under? And what can she do to fight the gossip now that the paparazzi have published their untruths about their romance?
She’s dog’s best friend. He trusts no one. When opportunity knocks, will they allow love to run off the leash?
Malibu Beach, California. Maisie Jones’ sparkling smile can’t pay the bills. And after inheriting her grandparents’ debt, the pet photographer is desperate to keep a roof over the heads of her eight senior shelter dogs in need of forever homes. So when her gorgeous and crazy-rich neighbor inadvertently photobombs her latest charity TikTok promo, she’s only too happy to let the world think they’re a hot item.
Born into old money, Brad Zander will do anything to make his mark in Hollywood. And with his reputation in the dumps, he gives in to his agent’s urging to generate buzz with the charming social media sensation next door. But his viral PR boost takes an unexpected heart-fluttering leap when their staged parties and dates transform his cynicism into desire.
Despite Maisie’s growing attraction, she knows she can’t bring Brad the kind of lasting buzz he needs to make his new movie a smash hit. And as Brad hungers to prove himself beyond his wealth, he fears their delightful private cuddles may be coming to a very public end.
Can they stop living for the masses and settle into a cozy network of two?
Published Date: 6 June 2023
My Review
Maisie, a struggling pet photographer dealing with her grandparents’ debt, seizes an opportunity for publicity when her billionaire neighbor, Brad, unintentionally features in her promo. They decide to fake a relationship to boost Brad’s Hollywood image. As they stage outings, the boundary between fake and real feelings blurs. Despite genuine emotions, their differing backgrounds and Brad’s quest to prove himself in Hollywood create challenges. Maisie doubts if she can be what Brad needs in his pursuit of success.
Brad and Maisie exhibited fantastic chemistry, and witnessing their interactions was thoroughly enjoyable. The narrative was delightful and endearing, providing excellent entertainment. It skillfully blended romance and humor, maintaining my engagement and interest from start to finish. Overall, it was a charming tale that I’m pleased to have experienced
She’s dog’s best friend. He trusts no one. When opportunity knocks, will they allow love to run off the leash?
Malibu Beach, California. Maisie Jones’ sparkling smile can’t pay the bills. And after inheriting her grandparents’ debt, the pet photographer is desperate to keep a roof over the heads of her eight senior shelter dogs in need of forever homes. So when her gorgeous and crazy-rich neighbor inadvertently photobombs her latest charity TikTok promo, she’s only too happy to let the world think they’re a hot item.
Born into old money, Brad Zander will do anything to make his mark in Hollywood. And with his reputation in the dumps, he gives in to his agent’s urging to generate buzz with the charming social media sensation next door. But his viral PR boost takes an unexpected heart-fluttering leap when their staged parties and dates transform his cynicism into desire.
Despite Maisie’s growing attraction, she knows she can’t bring Brad the kind of lasting buzz he needs to make his new movie a smash hit. And as Brad hungers to prove himself beyond his wealth, he fears their delightful private cuddles may be coming to a very public end.
Can they stop living for the masses and settle into a cozy network of two?
He’s a happy bachelor. She’s vowed never to marry. Then a little girl changes everything.
Holden Blackwood’s brothers are all happily married, yet he has no desire to join their ranks.
His family would love nothing more than to see him settle down with a good woman. But the good woman in Holden’s life, Frankie Malone, is perfectly happy with the “friends with benefits” arrangement they share.
Growing up with a mother who thought her happiness depended on men, Frankie learned the hard way to take care of herself, and that’s how she likes it. Until a child comes into the picture.
When Frankie becomes the unexpected guardian of her young niece, Sophie, her treasured independence comes under threat. And a custody battle with people who don’t have the child’s best interests at heart suddenly puts marriage on the table.
Holden and Frankie agree to commit – for just as long as it takes to secure custody of the little girl.
But can their heads really rule their hearts?
Published Date: 21 June 2023
My Review
Holden, the final unmarried Blackwood son, is keeping his arrangement with Frankie discreet to avoid giving his mom and grandma any ideas, at least until he’s ready to express his feelings to her. Meanwhile, Frankie’s sister abruptly leaves her daughter, Sophie, creating a situation where Frankie must think quickly to safeguard her niece. Facing the challenge of Sophie’s paternal grandparents, Frankie seeks a solution to ensure Sophie’s safety and provide her with the childhood she deserves.In response, Holden proposes a marriage of convenience as a resolution to Frankie’s predicament. This allows him to protect both Frankie and Sophie, with even his dog forming an affectionate bond with the young girl.
An exquisite tale blending romantic and familial love. The Blackwoods provided Holden with a solid foundation, and he adeptly tackles the challenge of persuading Frankie and Sophie that they have a lasting place in his life. The heartwarming resolution for little Sophie adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story. Overall, it is a captivating romance with delightful characters that makes for a thoroughly pleasant read.
Libby and Will spent a glorious honeymoon in this magical city. They didn’t have much money, but they had a whole lot of love and a bright future ahead of them.
And Venice was where it all went wrong…
Two kids and twenty-five years later, they are struggling with money problems but somehow Will manages to fulfil his promise to Libby to take her back to Venice for their anniversary. This time, they are doing it in style and a masked ball awaits. But among the beautiful buildings and romantic canals, Libby learns that her husband has a secret that breaks her heart.
The trust is broken and the marriage is over. But there are decades of love and two grown sons between them.
Can they ever find their way back to each other or have they missed their chance forever?
My Sanctuary 