Monthly Archives: April 2024

Happy Publication Day – 16 April 2024

The Suite Life By Portia MacIntosh

Gigi isn’t looking for the one. Just someone…! 

As she gears up for her sister’s destination wedding in Hawaii, the countdown is on for Gigi to find a date. Just someone to prove to her friends and family that she’s ok, and to stop the pitying looks would be great!

Of course she can’t wait to be bridesmaid for her sister, but it’s just not ideal that the best man is also her ex… especially when he is bringing his hot new reality star girlfriend!

But when Gigi arrives at the hotel in Hawaii to find there has been a mix-up with her room, and she’s been upgraded to a suite, things start to look up. Not only is the room bigger than her entire flat, but the staff are waiting on her hand and foot, and she’s being treated like royalty!

Something isn’t quite right, but The Suite Life suits Gigi, and why shouldn’t she pamper herself while she mends her broken heart? It may even lead to her finding the perfect date after all…

Reckless By Kimberly Kincaid

He’s a hotshot firefighter who lives on the edge. She’s his captain’s daughter…and his new boss.

Chef Zoe Westin’s number-one priority is making sure no one goes hungry in her hometown of Fairview. Running a soup kitchen is also the perfect way to prove to her dad that helping people doesn’t always mean risking life and limb. After all, the dangers of being a firefighter broke up her parents’ marriage, and she’s only interested in playing it safe.

But when Zoe is saddled with a gorgeous firefighter doing community service after yet another daredevil stunt, the kitchen has never been so hot.

Alex Donovan thrives on adrenaline, and stirring a pot of soup doesn’t exactly qualify. He’s not an expert at following the rules either, not even when they come from the stubborn, sexy daughter of the man who’s not only his captain, but his mentor. He’s stuck with by-the-book Zoe as his boss for four whole weeks, his fate as a firefighter in her hands.

The fact that she tempts him at every turn on top of everything else? Yeah, that only adds fuel to the fire.

Determined to show Zoe that not every risk ends in catastrophe, Alex challenges her, both in the kitchen and out. One reckless step leads to another, but will falling for each other be a risk worth taking, or will it just get them burned?

Review Card & Book Review – Love to Hate You By Camilla Isley

Goodbye New York! Hello… Cowboy? 

If Samantha’s Baker’s life were as simple as one of the movies she produces, when she – a latte-loving city girl – gets banished to the country and fights with the local hunk cowboy soon afterwards they’d fall in love. But everyone knows the movies aren’t real life! (And just FYI, Mr Cowboy, it’s not gonna happen!)

Travis Hunt knows what it’s like to miss the city. He’s given up everything to take over the family ranch and become mayor of Emerald Creek. He has responsibilities. But how does he convince a gorgeous, hot-shot executive like Samantha to swap her stilettos for cowboy boots and her Friday night cocktails for country dance competitions? Small town life just can’t compete with all the hustle and bustle of New York City.  

But what if it’s not where you are that you call home… What if it’s who you find while you’re there? 

About The Author

My Review

In this delightful romance, New Yorker Samantha Baker faces an unwelcome assignment in small-town Indiana to resolve issues on a rom-com set. Despite initial clashes with cowboy Travis Hunt, sparks fly between them. Samantha’s city attitude and Travis’s rural charm create a dynamic enemies-to-lovers trope, revealing their surprising compatibility. The characters, Samantha’s feisty independence and Travis’s versatility, contribute to the story’s charm. The predictable yet enjoyable plot unfolds with teasing and tormenting between the protagonists, adding spice to the narrative. The reader experiences the fun of anticipating events before the characters do, creating a satisfying and heartwarming romantic tale. The book successfully combines elements of romance, humor, and character development, making it a recommended read for those seeking a feel-good love story with a touch of spice.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 15 April 2024

Sunny Sundays At Primrose Hall By Jill Steeples

Primrose Hall is more than Jackson Moody and his fiancée Pia’s home – it’s the heart of the community.

The Sunday craft fairs in the renovated stables are a popular draw for the locals and tourists alike, enticed by the beautiful surroundings of Primrose Woods as well as the irresistible goodies on display. But for Sophie Wright they’re a chance to forge a new life and a new business. After leaving behind a turbulent relationship, Sophie is starting again – and romance is the last thing on her mind.

Drop dead gorgeous Tom Moody, Lord of the Manor Jackson’s newly-discovered older brother, is loving being a member of the Primrose Hall community. Content to muck in where he can be helpful, he’s just happy to be part of the family. But when tragedy strikes, Pia needs Tom more than he ever expected. And when Tom needs a shoulder to cry on, Sophie might be the perfect person to help – if only she hadn’t sworn off romance for good…

High Tea At The Beach House Hotel By Judith Keim

Guests can be surprising…

Ann and Rhonda continue their work at The Beach House Hotel, always striving to make their upscale property the best on the Gulf Coast of Florida. As they’ve learned, not all guests are easy. When they receive a request from Hilda Hassel, a member of the Bavarian royal family, for a two-week stay at the hotel in January, demanding the best room and high tea every afternoon, Ann is uneasy. Other Hassel family members cancelled a large, fancy wedding at the last moment leaving a mess behind. But Rhonda convinces Ann that having a royal guest could increase important European business, and Ann agrees.

After deciding to give Hilda the Presidential Suite for two weeks during their high season and welcoming her to the hotel, Ann and Rhonda are left to wonder if they’ve made the biggest mistake of their lives when Hilda arrives with her “nephew” and strange things begin to happen.

Review Card & Book Review – High Tides and Summer Skies By Jennifer Bohnet

As time ebbs and flows over the summer both Katie Teague and her godmother Mattie Cranford discover their lives are at a crossroads

Mattie shackled to the family wool shop for over 50 years, feels life has passed her by. She dreams of seeing the world and shaking off a lifetime of regrets.

When Katie is made redundant, Mattie seizes the moment and asks Katie to move back to her home town of Dartmouth and breathe new life into the rundown wool shop and to her surprise Katie agrees.

As Katie settles back into the rhythm of Devon life and renovating the shop, Mattie sets off on a luxury cruise.

But the arrival of Katie’s ex-boyfriend with an unexpected dream job offer threatens to unsettle the calm waters.

Will she sacrifice the shop and Mattie’s happiness – or her own career?

About The Author

My Review

This captivating multigenerational escape takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with heartbreak, romance, family, and secrets. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dartmouth, Devon, and a Mediterranean cruise, the story unfolds with Mattie and Henri, providing a holiday feel through Jennifer’s evocative writing. Mattie, still haunted by her sister Clara’s wartime loss, navigates a journey of love and healing, with historical elements like Operation Tiger adding depth. The author’s meticulous research shines, avoiding common pitfalls. The engaging plot, including a surprising twist and a delightful epilogue, kept me glued to the pages.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Wrong Man By Amanda Brookfield

While many regard her marriage with admiration and a touch of envy, Jane Lytton quietly reaches the shocking conclusion that her relationship with Michael, a successful banker with little time for her – or the nitty-gritty of family life – is failing.

Even daring to contemplate leaving Michael is daunting. With no obvious outward signs of any marital problems, family and friends greet news of the predicament with a mixture of anger and uncomprehending sympathy.

Forced to accept that she is alone, Jane takes drastic steps that veer her life off course. When at last her vision clears to reveal the best chance of happiness, it looks as if she may have left it too late. Being with the wrong man does not make finding the ‘right’ one any easier.

About The Author

My Review

Jane Lytton recognizes her failing marriage with successful but neglectful banker husband Michael. Contemplating leaving him, she faces insensitivity from family and friends who see no apparent signs of trouble. Unexpected sympathy and strength emerge from an unlikely source. Amanda Brookfield’s distinct descriptive style and authentic character portrayal shine in this emotionally charged exploration of marriage’s impact on relationships, family, and friends. The narrative unfolds with compelling twists, maintaining reader interest until the final page. This book provides a detailed glimpse into the complexities of marriage and its aftermath.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Widows’ Wine Club By Julia Jarman

The beginning of Janet, Viv and Zelda’s friendship could not have been less promising… 

Navigating their new lives as widows, the three women venture to the same dreary bereavement group in a chilly church hall. But what bonds them is not their shared predicament, but instead how quickly they all decide to flee the depressing gathering, choosing instead to share a bottle of wine. The Three Muscat-eers is born.

The women may be down but they’re not out; in their sixties but certainly not past it. They agree a mission: to find fulfilment as single women and recover their joie de vivre. And as they start to feel ready to face the world again, the friends support each other to dive headlong into new hobbies, new adventures, and even to dip their toes into the wonderful world of dating again. 

When one of the ladies gets life-changing news, there’s only one thing for it. The Widows’ Wine Club closes rank, and it’s ‘one for all and all for one’. Because when they stick together, there’s nothing the friends can’t achieve.

About The Author

My Review

In this heartwarming tale, three widowed women in their sixties forge a lively friendship after meeting at a local church group for widows. Disenchanted with the group’s monotony, Viv, Janet, and Zelda decide to create their own adventures, leading to the blossoming of a strong bond. As they navigate life’s challenges together, the camaraderie between these women shines through, offering a sense of support even in difficult times. The book captures the essence of friendship, portraying the uplifting moments, humor, and the importance of friends who provide different perspectives. Amidst life’s trials, the story emphasizes the significance of finding joy, hope, and laughter. With its spirit-lifting narrative, the book stands out as a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of friendship, offering readers an enjoyable and optimistic experience.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 12 April 2024

Coming Home To Roseford Villas By Fay Keenan

Aurora Henderson and Leo McKendrick were love’s young dream when they first dated as teenagers.

But like many a first love, parents, life, and distance got in the way, and the couple lost touch. Now, twenty years later, Aurora – Rory to her friends – needs a break. Burnt out from her teaching career and longing to write a novel, Rory heads to the idyllic village of Roseford for a summer of writing and relaxation.

Leo needs a change too. Ex-pat life in Australia has come to a sticky end so the opportunity to run his family’s B&B, Roseford Villas, for the summer is too good to turn down.

Neither Rory nor Leo believe in fate, but when Leo opens the door to his latest guest, he might just have to reconsider. And when a sultry summer fills with nostalgia and memories and six weeks flies by too fast, love’s young dream might just get a second chance…

Review Card & Book Review – Mr Cocky By Leslie North

I lie down for just a second…

The next thing I see is the chiseled and extremely grumpy face of my billionaire client, Theo Barnes, looking down at me. If I’m Goldilocks, he has all the grouchiness of three bears. I was overworked and overstressed juggling photographing his fleet of yachts with my other projects. Add in a super comfy bed on one of his yachts and I’m out.

Now I’m about to be fired. Except, we’re in the middle of the ocean and he’s looking at me like I’m the missing piece of a puzzle. Instead of getting the axe, he offers me an insane amount of money for a single day of work—an amount it’s really, really hard to say no to. But I should have. Because this bosshole wants me to be his pretend girlfriend for the afternoon.

The rules: no PDA, don’t get cornered by his mother and the deal is done once we dock. That first rule lasted about four minutes. This pretend girlfriend thing was supposed to be a one-and-done gig, but now his mother insists he bring a “nice” girl to a family wedding.

And Theo thought of me. A “nice” girl would have said no, but here I am, stuck with Mr. Cocky. It’s not all bad. There are those rule-breaking kisses. And the scorching sex. But sex has consequences And Goldilocks has a surprise for her grumpy bear.

About The Author

My Review

This book is a charming romantic tale about Maxine and Theo, who initially enter into a platonic agreement but find themselves drawn into a passionate relationship. Despite resisting a deeper connection due to insecurities, external voices insist they are meant to be together. The plot, while occasionally predictable, incorporates enough surprises and twists to maintain reader engagement. The pacing is generally well-handled, though the ending feels rushed at times. Secondary characters, particularly Theo’s mother, add depth to the narrative. Leslie North’s engaging writing style and vivid descriptions bring the story’s settings to life. Overall, “Mr. Cocky” is an enjoyable romantic adventure with well-developed characters, palpable chemistry, and a mix of humor and passion, making it a recommended read for those seeking a lighthearted yet steamy story.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 11 April 2024

A Wedding At The Chateau By Annabel French

Two friends. One wedding. A love story that’s long overdue…

Olivia and Nico were once inseparable best friends with shared hopes, dreams and plans for the future. But as life took its course, they took very different paths – leaving them with a challenging long-distance friendship.

When Olivia receives an invitation to Nico’s wedding in Italy, she can hardly believe it. Despite her happiness for him, she can’t help but reflect on the roads not taken and the promises once made.

As she arrives in the picturesque Tuscany, disaster strikes. The wedding venue has fallen through and Nico’s wife-to-be is a total Bridezilla.

Love is definitely not in the air and Olivia is the only person who can help. Can she put her feelings aside for the sake of Nico’s happiness? Or will her presence cause more problems than it solves…?

Review Card & Book Review – The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field By Lilac Mills

Foxmore’s inaugural Christmas fayre will be the toast of the town – or the downfall of their relationship…

Harriet is facing her second Christmas on her own since her husband walked out. With little child support, she’s struggling to manage financially.

When Owen, a passionate environmentalist and popular blogger, overhears Harriet bemoaning her situation, he challenges her to only buy second-hand until Christmas. What she doesn’t know is that Owen is reporting her journey anonymously to all his followers…

Though the challenge is proving successful, it’s not without its troubles. Can Harriet really keep her children and bank balance happy this way? How will she react when she finds her life documented online?

About The Author

My Review

In this delightful Christmas romance, a struggling single mom encounters a charismatic advocate against consumerism during the holiday season. The story explores whether his eco-friendly stance can save her money or lead to unforeseen challenges with reused items. As the second book in the series, it maintains the charm of the first, introducing creative characters and a well-written plot that strikes a balance between realism and romance. With a clean narrative and a low spice level, it’s an ideal festive read. The quirky small-town setting, relatable characters, and engaging storyline weave together familiar holiday tropes. The writing is cozy, propelling readers toward a predictable yet eagerly anticipated happy ending, while the eco-friendly theme adds a unique touch without being preachy.

My Rating

Link To Purchase