Monthly Archives: June 2024

Happy Publication Day – 10 June 2024

It Had To Be You By Beth Moran

Growing up, sisters Libby and Nicky never knew who they’d find at breakfast.

Their parents fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.

Now as a single mother of two, Libby’s life is still anything but peaceful. In her work as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by children. Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely nights, Libby worries she’s falling apart at the seams.

One troubled boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her.

Two hearts that were broken, still not mended.

The time has come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through her fingers.

Summer At Mount Joy By Ophelia London

In a family made almost entirely of successful overachievers, Roxy Elliott is the odd woman out. Yet she’s determined to save her family’s old, run-down ranch from being sold and razed to the ground and, in the process, to prove that she has more heart—and ambition—than her family expected. The only problem? In a town as small as Mount Joy, there’s just one guy who can help her with the ranch’s transformation…and he’s a complete pain in her backside.

Had he known firecracker Roxy Elliott would be his new boss, ex-soldier-turned-cowboy Josh Manning definitely would have taken a hard pass on the town’s new job. He has his own memories from the last time they were together, and he’s not about to let her off the hook a second time. But Josh will do anything to save his family home from foreclosure, even sell his soul to the last woman he ever would have wanted to be partners with. But Roxy Elliott might just surprise him yet…

At first, nothing goes according to plan. The pipes are all rusted, the hideous wallpaper is impossible to remove, and the front porch is one rotten board away from swallowing someone whole. Now the dude ranch is showing some serious potential for not only transforming the community, but both their lives, as well. But while Roxy Elliott is still the loveliest thing to ever cross paths with a grump like Josh, summer romances never last forever…and history has a tendency to repeat itself.

Review Card & Book Review – 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?

About The Author

My Review

This book focus on Jake Harrington and his roommate Jess. Their casual NSA arrangement becomes complicated when they travel to New York and realize their feelings for each other go beyond just sex. Jake, still reeling from a past relationship with Emily, finds himself drawn to Jess but must navigate her fear of love. The book is praised for its sizzling chemistry between the characters, strong friendships, and realistic portrayal of love’s challenges. Laura Carter’s writing is lauded for its brilliance and ability to create an immersive and captivating story. Fans of the series eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – In The Greek Midwinter By Mandy Baggot

It was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime…

But when Jen’s boyfriend David suddenly cancels their romantic Paris trip, needing to urgently travel to Athens for work, it’s best friend Bonnie who suggests they surprise him.

Having already booked the time off from her events company – Christmas Every Day – Jen decides an impromptu and romantic gesture might be just what their relationship needs.

Arriving in Greece and finding David is not there, Jen has a lot of questions. And when she gets her answers she has a choice – should she go home or should she stay awhile?

With the help of Astro, the handsome yet Christmas-hating waiter from the local bar, she sets about a little Greek Christmas research. But what starts as a ‘business trip’ soon turns into something more…

About The Author

My Review

Jen’s romantic trip to Paris is cancelled when her boyfriend David has to work in Athens. Her friend Bonnie suggests they surprise David in Athens, leading Jen to embark on an unexpected Greek holiday. However, upon arrival, she discovers David isn’t there, prompting her to reassess her life choices. As Jen navigates the ups and downs of her trip, she forms an unlikely friendship with Astro, a bartender with his own emotional baggage. Together, they explore Athens during the festive season, uncovering the city’s charms and confronting their own pasts. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the magic of Christmas, offering readers an emotional and heartwarming journey. With engaging characters and a captivating setting, this Christmas tale is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and poignant moments that will leave readers feeling uplifted and festive.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Christmas Love Letters By Sue Moorcroft

The love letters were only the start of the story…

Tucked into a crook of the Norfolk coast lies Nelson’s Bar – an idyllic village where time seems to stand still. Maddy Austen has called this beautiful spot home all her life, as had her husband Adey – until one snowy night an epic row sent him storming out, never to be seen again.

Six years on, and Maddy’s life in the village has settled into a gentle pattern with her daughter Lyla and Great Aunt Ruthie. However, when handsome stranger Raff turns up at Ruthie’s door with a handful of long-forgotten love letters, their quiet life is upended as family secrets from the past are unearthed.

As Raff and Maddy get to know each other, they grow closer and a love story of their own seems inevitable. But when Maddy receives a mysterious message, she can’t help but wonder whether her own past is as distant as she thought it was…

About The Author

My Review

This is a captivating Christmas read filled with emotion, mystery, and family drama. Maddy, struggling financially and raising her unborn child alone after her husband’s disappearance, moves in with her Aunt Ruthie in Norfolk, England. Little does she know, her quiet existence is about to be disrupted when a man named Rafferty shows up with secrets involving her aunt. The story beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of family relationships. With well-developed characters and unexpected twists, including a touching exploration of lost letters, this novel is a heartwarming and engaging read that keeps readers hooked until the end.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Sweetheart Crush By Miranda Liasson

Photographer Viv Montgomery’s dreams were bigger than her small hometown of Blossom Glen. Following them meant leaving everything and everyone behind—including her sweet and funny best friend, Logan Matthews. Now, twelve years later, the town’s “sweetheart” is back, broke, and…well, working in the town’s famous Christmas store until she figures out her next move.

Enter her former best friend who she hasn’t seen or talked to in years. Only the cute, funny guy she remembers is gone—replaced by a famous, bestselling author who seems aloof, jaded, and is much, much hotter than any book nerd she’s ever seen. Seeing him in the news is one thing, but up close and person? Whewf, it’s warm in here.

Now he’s offered her a job she desperately needs (blissfully free of Santas), and suddenly it’s like no time has passed at all. Their friendship is just like it was…with one very unexpected difference. Because somewhere between the blossom festival and snuggling in front of a crackling fire, their friendship is definitely turning into some more. Only, Logan’s been hiding the secret of his enormous success…and the sweetheart of Blossom Glen is about to read all about it.

About The Author

My Review

This book is the third installment in Miranda Liasson’s Blossom Glen series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Best friends Viv Montgomery and Logan Matthew, who share a complicated history stemming from a childhood kiss, find themselves back in their hometown and caught in a viral video. As they spend more time together, they realize their friendship is essential, and their feelings run deeper than they ever imagined. Unlike typical romance novels, this book focuses on the characters’ growth as adults and their journey to reconcile their past while navigating their present. It’s an emotional and heartfelt story of second chances, friendship, and the realization that a relationship rooted in friendship is the most precious of all.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Book & Book Review – The Bossy One By Leslie North

WANTED: Nanny who will put up with infuriatingly grumpy Irish billionaire.

My nanny posting with Irish billionaire Declan Byrne and his adorable niece, Catie, feels so right—at first.

But everything—and I mean everything—is wrong about Declan.

We first met on a flight where he basically told me that it’d be “grand” if I could stop talking.

I can’t help it. I’m a nervous flyer.

He’s a total grump.

He obviously doesn’t like me.

Too distractingly gorgeous to be around for any length of time.

And he’s made it clear that as soon as he can find another nanny, I’m gone.

This Minnesota girl is made of tough stuff though, so I know I can make it through one Irish summer with one sexy Irish curmudgeon.

At least I thought I could, until he became that much harder to resist.

Because the more I work with Declan, the more I realize there’s something growing between us…an attraction that’s impossible to resist.

Declan hides a kind heart behind his stormy, gruff demeanor.

And that accent.

That suave Irish brogue makes my insides melt.

The cardinal rule of being a nanny is to not get involved with the family.

To maintain a professional distance.

Sleeping with Declan would definitely cross that line.

Some rules are meant to be kept.

Others are meant to be shattered.

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Declan and Olivia, whose initial encounter is rocky but leads to a professional arrangement as Declan hires Olivia as a nanny for his niece. Despite their differences, spending time together ignites a mutual attraction, and they embark on a complex journey of personal growth and romantic involvement. Both characters have faced tragedy in their pasts, shaping their perspectives and motivations. The story delves into themes of revenge, family dynamics, and the importance of communication in relationships. Set in Ireland, the vivid setting and engaging supporting characters add depth to the narrative. Overall, it’s a captivating romance filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth, offering readers an enjoyable escape.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Starting Over At Halesmere House By Suzanne Snow

Can two broken hearts mend each other?

Taking over the Flower Shed studio at Halesmere, Alice is looking to mend her heart through horticulture after the end of her ten-year marriage. She isn’t looking for romance, especially not with brash young tree surgeon, Zac.

Zac has his own past he’s trying to move on from, and he’s only staying at Halesmere until the new year. But when their circumstances change in a way that shocks them both, they have to decide if they can share a future that already binds them.

Will the magic of Halesmere work once more to bring love to two lost souls?

About The Author

My Review

Alice sells her late father’s haulage company to pursue a new horticultural business in Haselmere. Despite her friend’s encouragement to start dating, Alice is wary after being hurt in a past relationship. Her new life at Pear Tree Barn introduces her to unexpected challenges like escaped sheep and a gruff neighbor, leading to flirtation and intrigue. The book, set mostly at Christmas, balances festive elements with a focus on personal growth and community. While part of a series, it stands alone as a heartwarming story with relatable characters and themes of family, love, and overcoming adversity. The author sensitively addresses difficult topics like pregnancy loss and grief, adding depth to the narrative. Readers will be drawn to the charming setting and engaging characters, hoping for more stories in the series.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 7 June 2024

The Love Hack By Sophie Ranald

She’s a rookie advice columnist. He’s her office crush. It’s about to get complicated…

Landing a new job as online agony uncle “Ask Adam” Lucy dishes out relationship tips to men. But when it comes to her own love life, she’d rather spend Friday nights curled up on her sofa with Netflix and her cat, Astro.

That is, until she meets Ross, her new co-worker who makes her snort with laughter at his silly jokes and sets off butterflies in her stomach when his hazel eyes meet hers over his laptop.

After her last work boyfriend broke her heart, Lucy swore she’d never fall for someone in the office again. And she’s just about to have two more good reasons not to.

An email has just landed in the “Ask Adam” inbox and Lucy is convinced it’s from Ross.

He’s most definitely not single.

As her advice column goes viral and her inbox overflows with problems, Lucy turns to her AI assistant for help decoding romantic troubles, including her own. Can her state-of-the-art cupid really help her navigate her feelings for Ross? Or will the truth behind “Ask Adam” turn her non-existent love life into a hot mess?

Review Card & Book Review – The Bramble Patch Craft Shop By Sarah Hope

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?

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Molly Wilson and her children as they start a new life in a quiet English village. Molly tries to immerse herself in village life by hosting Knit and Natter meetups but struggles with feeling alone. She deals with challenges from the local law enforcement and tries to settle her homesick children. A late-night incident with Officer Duffey brings uncertainty about his intentions. The book explores themes of family, love, and starting over, with realistic character development and relatable emotions. It’s a sweet romance intertwined with Molly’s journey of self-discovery as a single mother. Starting over isn’t easy, especially with kids.

My Rating

Link to Purchase

B&N