June 13, 2024 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – Never Ever Getting Back Together By Phoebe MacLeod

Everyone remembers their first love. Jess Thomas definitely does. So, it’s more than a little awkward when Jess’s first love, Jamie Ferguson, turns out to be the best man at the wedding she’s catering for. And more than a little insulting when he doesn’t appear to remember her at all.

Since Jamie broke her heart (via text!), 10 years earlier, Jess has sworn off romance. And with a booming catering business to focus on, she’s doing OK. She has no interest in revisiting the past.

But when Jess’s car breaks down on a country lane, she has no choice but to accept Jamie’s help. Now, Jamie is determined to show Jess he’s a new man. But can guys like Jamie ever really change? And if she gives him another chance, is she setting herself up for a fall?

About The Author

My Review

The story begins with captivating banter and flirting, drawing the reader in with its entertaining narrative. Jess, the independent protagonist, encounters her first love, Jamie, at a wedding after 12 years of resentment. Despite their initial awkward encounter, Jess begins to see a different side of Jamie, leading to a reevaluation of their past misunderstandings. However, the story takes a downturn when Jess’s negative opinion of Jamie is reinforced by a misunderstanding, which feels like a forced addition to the plot. Despite the adorable presence of Jess’s child, Lizzie, her role in the story seems disconnected from the main narrative. Overall, while the initial charm of the story is engaging, the latter part is marred by contrived conflicts and character inconsistencies.

My Rating

Link to Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 13 June 2024

Escape To The Country Kitchen By Hannah Langdon

When Juliet Carlisle returns home to her family’s gorgeous, crumbling manor house in the English countryside, she doesn’t expect to stay long. But she’s intrigued by the new cookery school being launched on the grounds… that is, until she meets the guy who’s been hired to run it. Though undeniably handsome, disgraced celebrity chef Léo Brodeur immediately strikes Juliet as bossy and rude.

Juliet has enough troubles in her life without adding a snooty French chef to the mix. Her ex won’t leave her alone, her sisters are struggling, and their beloved home is literally falling down around them. Still, she promises to help make the school – their last hope – a success… as long as she doesn’t have to be nice to Léo.

But working shoulder to shoulder in the kitchen as the sun sets behind them, Juliet finds it difficult to remain frosty. Surrounded by the warm scents of baking croissants, fresh garden thyme, and Léo’s peppery cologne, she begins to see a side to the chef – patient, thoughtful and funny – that she never noticed before.

Just as her heart begins to thaw, Juliet discovers what really happened back in France, leaving her not knowing who or what to believe. Should she run away, or fight for the chance of happiness she’s found at Feywood? Or will old wounds and Léo’s mysterious past doom their blossoming kitchen romance for good?

One Of A Kind By Jane Lovering

A long-held secret, and a beautiful heart hoping to be understood.

Cressida Tarbet loves her job at an animal rescue centre, even if it means she’s resigned herself to scrimping to make ends meet – a lifestyle far removed from her best friend Ivo’s, in his ancestral gatehouse stuffed with antiques and art.

But although their upbringings were different, Ivo has held Cress’s heart ever since she clapped eyes on him at university. The trouble is – she has never told him. So, when a mystery and a baffling crime throw Cress and Ivo together, she can’t help but wonder if fate is telling her something.

As the puzzle takes them from beautiful Yorkshire, to the stunning Isle of Wight, the pair get closer. Ivo begins to understand the cause of Cress’s risk-aversion and she puts her irritation at his brilliant mind to one side as she starts to appreciate Ivo’s uniqueness. But then the unthinkable happens and their worlds are turned upside down, and Cress has to wonder if fate was calling after all…

Review Card & Book Review – Guarding Viktoria By Leslie North

When danger meets desire, all bets are off…

Viktoria Jonsdottir is smart, driven, and beautiful. But she’s also in danger. To protect her, her father has hired a bodyguard to look after her. But the last thing Viktoria wants is a babysitter, even if he is sexy as hell. Like it or not, though, she’s got Lee McCallister, former Army Ranger, keeping her safe. From what, she’s not really sure… Until the pilot hired on for her private plane attempts to kidnap her at gunpoint. Thank goodness Lee is there.

Lee cares only about one thing. Doing his job. And if that job includes keeping a rich brat safe, so be it. The former Army Ranger braces himself for days of enduring Viktoria. Demanding, lovely, kissable Viktoria. It isn’t long before he realizes she’s not the spoiled princess he thought she was. Despite his best efforts, he’s starting to fall for her.

And if they can survive this ordeal, maybe she’ll fall for him too…

About The Author

My Review

This book follows former Army Ranger sniper, Lee McCallister, who is medically retired due to an eye injury, and Viktoria Jonsdottir, the daughter of an Icelandic businessman aiming to prove herself in the business world. Lee is tasked with protecting Viktoria during her trip to New York, but their journey takes a dangerous turn when they face threats and attempts on Viktoria’s life. Despite initial impressions, Lee finds himself drawn to Viktoria, whose world is about to be shattered by betrayal. As they navigate danger and their growing attraction, Lee realizes Viktoria has changed his life’s direction. With action-packed scenes and intense chemistry, the story explores their struggle between duty and desire. The gripping narrative culminates in a satisfying epilogue, offering closure for the characters and their relationships.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Barnes & Noble

Kobo