August 2024 – Page 3 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke

After twenty years, the cracks in Lauren Reed’s marriage are showing. She and her husband, Jack, feel more like roommates than a loving couple. What they have in common are two wonderful teenagers, Michael and Maddie, and the same wistful question: When did it all go wrong? Now that Lauren’s decided to get on with her life―alone―divorce is inevitable.

Not to the kids. They aren’t giving up so easily.

Michael and Maddie have conspired with their grandfather to bring everyone together for a vacation in the family’s favorite summer getaway, a rustic lakeside cabin in Story Brook, Ohio. Awkward? Yep. A little deceptive? Sure. But as far as traps go, Lauren and Jack agree―the meddlers couldn’t have set one that was more scenic or filled with so many bittersweet memories.

This trip is going to be life-changing for the whole family. Fourteen days of hope, heartbreak, and unexpected possibilities―like maybe falling in love all over again.

About The Author

My Review

This novel delves into the complexities of a marriage in turmoil, offering a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by both partners. Lauren’s sense of invisibility in her role as a dedicated wife and mother resonates deeply, while Jack’s commitment to providing for his family leads to unintended consequences. The narrative skillfully explores themes of sacrifice, communication, and self-discovery, with relatable moments that many readers will identify with. Despite its brevity, the story packs an emotional punch, underscored by moments of humor and heartwarming family dynamics. While some may find the resolution too swift, the novel ultimately delivers a message of hope and the power of love to overcome adversity.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Part of His Royal World By Nina Singh

A CONNECTION AS DEEP AS THE OCEAN…

When aspiring singer Arielle rescues a gorgeous man from a boat crash, she doesn’t expect her life to be turned upside down—because the man she’s saved is Prince Eriko! In gratitude, she’s whisked away to the palace, where their instantaneous chemistry soon becomes irresistible… But with Riko duty-bound to marry another royal, can Arielle ever truly be part of the prince’s world?

About The Author

My Review

The book is a captivating modern adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” following the journey of Arielle, an aspiring singer who rescues Prince Erikol during a storm. Their instant connection leads to a blossoming relationship, despite the pressures of royal duty and an impending arranged marriage for Riko. The story beautifully explores themes of love, sacrifice, and following one’s dreams. With engaging characters, including supportive secondary ones like Manny and his family, the book delivers a satisfying and emotional narrative. Arielle’s musical twist and the heartwarming epilogue add depth to the tale, leaving readers invested in the characters’ futures.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Colton Threat Unleashed By Tara Taylor Quinn

His dogs are under attack

…and so is the mother of his unborn baby.

Who’s sabotaging Sebastian Cross’s elite dog training facility? Or is his longtime friend, veterinarian Ruby Colton, the real target? The ex-marine and feisty vet work together to find the culprit and prevent further carnage…until one night of passion leaves Ruby pregnant. Sebastian’s PTSD and Ruby’s fierce independence mean neither wants marriage and family. But deadly danger has a way of changing lives…and love.

About The Author

My Review

“Colton Threat Unleashed” by Tara Taylor Quinn, the first book in the Coltons of Owl Creek series, follows Ruby Colton and Sebastian Cross, two independent loners who find themselves unexpectedly connected after a night together results in Ruby’s pregnancy. Despite their initial reluctance towards commitment, they navigate their feelings for each other while facing threats from an unknown attacker targeting Ruby and Sebastian’s dog training facility. As they work together to protect themselves and their dogs, their bond strengthens, leading them to realize they are stronger together. The suspenseful plot keeps readers engaged as they root for Ruby and Sebastian’s safety and budding relationship amidst escalating danger. The book also introduces intriguing secondary characters, hinting at future stories within the series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Hunted By Leslie North

Love always aims for the heart…

Former Navy SEAL Clint Backwater just wants to keep his head down and mind his business. So when a beautiful, young mother arrives at his gun range desperate to buy a weapon, he knows he has a problem. No way he can sell a gun to someone as frantic as Leila Ortiz. But he feels driven to protect the terrified woman and her child, at all costs.

With her abusive ex-husband released from prison, Leila will do whatever it takes to keep her baby safe. She wants a gun, not a protector. But what Leila wants and what she needs are two different things. And it isn’t long before she finds herself falling for the honorable former SEAL… And falling hard.

Clint hardened his heart long ago. But he finds himself drawn to Leila, a woman who touches him as no other. Until Leila’s past threatens their new love, and Clint is forced to wonder… Can they really trust each other?

And can their hearts take it if things go wrong?

About The Author

My Review

Clint Backwater, a solitary man, finds his life transformed when he takes on the task of protecting Leila Ortiz and her child from her vengeful ex-husband, a gang member recently released from prison. Despite initial doubts about their unconventional meeting, Clint and Leila’s relationship evolves as they navigate the challenges posed by her ex’s threats. While the story captivates with its intense situations and engaging characters, some aspects, such as the immediate trust formed between Clint and Leila, may stretch believability. Despite these reservations, the book offers an emotional rollercoaster as readers root for the couple’s eventual union, though some may find the chemistry between them lacking compared to other works by the author.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – Exposed By Leslie North

Undercover desire…

On leave while recovering from a bullet wound, Navy SEAL Eric Harvey is going stir-crazy. So when a buddy asks him to help his journalist sister go undercover to expose crimes at a couples retreat, Eric is all in. But he’s about to get more excitement than he bargained for. Beth, the journalist, is smoking hot and completely irresistible.

Beth Williams is desperate. She needs a fake husband fast. She’ll even take Eric, a Navy SEAL like her big brother. But she won’t allow anything to come between her and her career… Not even the smoldering attraction growing between her and Eric.

Right from the start, it’s clear that something is very wrong at this resort. As the danger mounts, Eric realizes that both his life and his heart are at risk. Beth has made it clear that when she’s done with her story, she’ll be done with Eric too.

About The Author

My Review

Beth Williams, an investigative journalist, is determined to uncover the truth behind the expensive counseling trips held on a Florida island owned by LoveFix Couples’ Retreats. She suspects the head of the retreat’s parent company, Robert Hart, of having questionable credentials. To pursue the story, she needs a fake husband, and when her planned partner falls through, Eric Harvey, a SEAL on medical leave, steps in. As they investigate, they discover danger lurking at the retreat and find themselves drawn to each other, despite the potential consequences.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the story, where the protagonist fakes a relationship to investigate a dubious couples retreat. I was relieved when her initial plan fell through, leading her to ask Eric to accompany her. His protective demeanor added an appealing layer of intensity, heightening the forbidden attraction between them. The tension kept me eagerly anticipating their eventual union. The steamy scenes were well-executed without being excessive. However, I found the female main character’s indecisiveness regarding her feelings for Eric occasionally frustrating. Overall, the book offered a good balance of suspense and romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Happy Publication Day – 15 August 2024

Retreat To The Lakeside Cottage By Erin Green

Welcome to the Lakeside Cottage . . . A place to write, where inspiration awaits . . .

Five authors have gathered at the idyllic Lakeside Cottage for a retreat, with the promise of peace and dedicated writing time. At least, that’s the idea . . .

Retreat organiser Rula is there to edit, surrounded by like-minded souls. An interloper, especially one with whom she has a past, was certainly not part of her plan.

Eve has a bad case of writer’s block, despite numerous bestsellers under her belt. Can she find new inspiration? Or will she get drawn into the dramas that unfold around her?

Alice has a deadline looming but is seemingly more interested in anything butwriting. And where does she keep disappearing to?

Daphne is an experienced self-published author, but might she be more unconventional in other ways too?

And then there’s Brontë, the complete novice. She’s a mere scribbler, not a ‘proper writer’ like these other women, and she feels totally out of her depth.

As the collective word count grows, and their personal stories interweave, each woman finds herself drawn in unexpected and life-changing directions.

Review Card & Book Review – Winter Wonderland Romance By Shanna Hatfield

She never wanted to return to her hometown.
He needed an escape from his family.
When a chance meeting brings them together, will their attraction keep them from drifting apart?

Doctor Olivia Burton never intended to return to her hometown of Pinehill. After graduating high school, she set off on a new path, eager to leave her past behind. However, years later, an unexpected phone call from her mentor pulls her back to Pinehill to take over a thriving medical practice as the town’s primary physician. Determined to avoid the local gossip mill, Olivia attempts to keep a low profile as she settles back into the community.

Alex Adams is desperate for an escape from his well-meaning but suffocating family. After a life-altering explosion ended his military career, he finds himself plagued with post-traumatic stress disorder. Surrounded by his loud and overbearing family only intensifies his struggles. Seeking respite, he retreats to his aunt’s mountain cabin in Pinehill, desperate for peace and quiet.

When a chance encounter brings Alex and Olivia together, the sparks begin to fly. Olivia, cautious and hesitant to let anyone into her guarded heart, begins to question if it’s time to leave her past behind and embrace the possibility of a winter wonderland romance. Alex, yearning for connection and understanding, finds himself drawn to Olivia’s warmth and kindness.

As they spend more time together, will Olivia and Alex discover that love, much like freshly fallen snow, has a way of blanketing everything in a layer of beauty?

Uncover the joys that come with new beginnings, the transformative power of love, and the magic that can be found in the simplest moments in this sweet, wholesome, and tender romance.

About The Author

My Review

Alex, a wounded warrior, seeks solace at his family’s cabin in PineHill to escape his mental scars. Alongside his loyal dog, Dude, he finds unexpected companionship with Olivia, a career-focused doctor who has sworn off love. As they navigate their own struggles, their friendship blossoms into something more, despite their initial reluctance. “Winter Wonderland Romance” by Shanna Hatfield is a heartwarming winter tale that delves into healing, love, and the importance of support, featuring beloved characters from the Winter Wishes Series

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – 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?

About The Author

My Review

Paige opts for Sorrento as her honeymoon destination following a breakup with her fiance. There, she meets Sebastian, who offers to guide her around the island. Upon returning home to Jersey, she discovers Sebastian’s involvement in a company taking over the store where she has a concession, putting her shop at risk. As a man working at M&S, the realm of designer shoes is unfamiliar to me, but I admire those who build businesses from their passions. Sebastian appears more complex than a mere hard-nosed businessman, harboring hidden secrets. Their tumultuous relationship makes for a compelling beach read, where you’ll find yourself wanting to knock some sense into the main characters.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 13 August 2024

Too Busy For Love By Phoebe MacLeod

For Beatrice, working at one of London’s boutique hotels is a dream come true. She doesn’t need a social life. She just needs an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets and happy guests. But Beatrice’s routine comes to an abrupt halt when her hotel is raided by the police. Suddenly she finds herself released on bail, and trapped in London, with only the hotel chef Jock for company.

Having decided to make the most of their situation, Beatrice lets her hair down – figuratively and literally – for the first time in her life. And incredibly, despite the threat of possible prison around the corner, she finds she loves every moment spent exploring London in Jock’s company.

But all bubbles have to burst, so when the pair are released without charge, it’s time for Beatrice to get her life, and her career, back on track. She can’t let a little thing called feelings get in her way… So why can’t she forget Jock, even when her career dreams look set to become reality?

Beatrice may like to keep life fully booked, but can you ever really be too busy for love?

Big Witch Energy By Molly Harper

Caroline Wilton is dying to get off Starfall Point, but if she leaves, there’s a good chance she’ll literally die. For centuries, any Wilton who ventured off the island immediately perished in some freak accident. While Caroline has begrudgingly obeyed her family’s curse, she’s never forgiven all that it has cost her. After all, her high school sweetheart left for college and never came back. Until now.

Although Dr. Ben Hoult returned to take over the med clinic, in his heart, he came back for Caroline. Practical, sensible Ben was too stubborn to believe in her curse. But when his own two teenagers meddle their way into coven business, Ben’s eyes are opened to the world of magic. He quickly learns that Caroline and her friends have the power to see ghosts—like the angry woman in eighteen-century garb occupying her family’s tavern with a menacing glare—and boy, do they need managing.

As the witches dig through old spell books for insight, they discover the angry tavern ghost as one of the island’s most sinister legends—information that could be the key to breaking the Wilton curse and giving Caroline the life she’s always wanted with the man she’s always loved

Review Card & Book Review – Hesi-Dating By Zoe Forward

I warn all my dates: Don’t fall for me.
I’m good for a date or two of no-strings fun, but then I’m a ghost.

Until the sheriff. He saves me from a jerky ex-date. Now I owe him a favor. Almost a decade older than me, funny, and insanely attractive, my chemistry with Seth is off the charts. His post-divorce hurt makes me want to heal his wounded soul. For the first time in ever, I say no. He doesn’t deserve my heartbreaking ways. I tell myself I must walk away since me dating law enforcement is a no-can-do. I’m not a felon, but I do have connections from my past that make it dangerous. If I’m truthful, it’s self-preservation. Seth threatens to awaken the desiccated organ inside my chest.

Then he needs a favor.
Calling in favors becomes our not-dating game.

I should have stopped helping him. I should have left well enough alone. But I just couldn’t resist. I have a connection to this guy. One that has me acting irrationally. One that snags the attention of the gang leader I wished would leave me alone.

I want to nurture our burgeoning spark, but I must protect us from the deadly dangers of my past.

About The Author

My Review

Jolie is surprised to find her blind date is the attractive older sheriff of San Diego, Seth. Despite her dark past and ties to a gang leader, she’s drawn to him. Seth can’t shake his feelings for Jolie, despite her reluctance to date him. As they’re repeatedly thrown together, Jolie must decide whether to risk Seth’s safety by staying with him. The book is praised for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and suspenseful twists, but it contains triggers such as kidnapping, rape, and violence. Despite some explicit scenes, the romantic suspense aspect is highlighted and complemented by the presence of other characters from related books by the same author.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo