Monthly Archives: September 2024

Review Card & Book Review – SEAL Endgame: Three Book Military Romance Boxset By Leslie North

Falling in love is a deadly distraction…

Dangerous pasts, undercover couples, and surprise babies… These sexy Navy SEALs are trained to keep cool under pressure. But they’re about to learn that desire can melt the coldest heart. Lose yourself in this steamy new boxset by USA Today bestselling author Leslie North.

In Hunted, when beautiful Leila Ortize shows up at his gun range desperate to buy a weapon, former Navy SEAL Clint Backwater feels driven to protect the terrified woman and her child…at all costs. But can his heart take it if things go wrong?

In Exposed, Navy SEAL Eric Harvey agrees to help his buddy’s journalist sister go undercover at a couples retreat. But the gorgeous Beth Williams won’t allow anything to come between her and her career …Not even the smoldering attraction growing between her and Eric.

And in Threatened, when a friend’s tragic death leaves former Navy SEAL Gage Winters caring for orphaned twins, the babies’ stunningly beautiful aunt, Kylie, offers to help. But resisting the red-hot desire Gage feels for Kylie may be more of a challenge than he can handle…

About The Author

My Review

Hunted

Leila faces the threat of her abusive ex-husband, who is now on parole, potentially harming her and their young son. Despite the danger, she demonstrates admirable strength, resilience, and determination. Seeking protection, she visits ex-SEAL Clint’s gun shop to purchase a firearm. While Clint recognizes her vulnerability and the need for assistance, he also feels a strong attraction to her.This story resonated deeply with me. It’s challenging to imagine being in Leila’s shoes, navigating the complexities of single motherhood while living in fear of her ex-partner. The author skillfully portrays Leila’s internal struggles, including insecurities and doubts about her worthiness, as well as her concerns about forming new relationships and trusting others. I appreciated Leila’s spirited nature and her reluctance to fully depend on Clint or rush into a romantic involvement with him.

Exposed

Beth, an investigative journalist, finds herself needing to go undercover, but her partner is on medical leave. She crosses paths with Eric, a SEAL recovering from an injury, and they share an immediate attraction. Eric agrees to pose as her fake husband for a couple’s island retreat. Despite their individual issues and insecurities, they discover they are well-suited for each other and quickly develop feelings. The mission proves perilous as Beth narrowly escapes death three times, but both she and Eric demonstrate resilience and determination. Eric ultimately comes to her rescue. It’s hard not to root for Beth and Eric as they share playful banter and flirtatious moments, making them a dynamic and appealing pair.

Threatened

Gage unexpectedly becomes the guardian of twins following the tragic death of his close ex-SEAL friend and his wife in an accident. Kylie, the twins’ aunt, enters Gage’s life determined to challenge him for custody. Having experienced profound loss early in life, Gage is resolute in his commitment to providing the best care for the twins. Meanwhile, Kylie grapples with the grief of losing her sister, her inability to conceive, and questions about why she wasn’t chosen as the twins’ guardian. As their bond deepens, Kylie faces additional turmoil when she discovers she is a target, placing the twins and Gage in danger. This emotional journey explores themes of loss, parenthood, new relationships, and self-doubt, eliciting empathy for both Gage and Kylie.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Happy Publication Day – 12 September 2024

The Grown Up To Do List By Jennifer Joyce

Her friends are bossing life – is she being left behind?

25-year-old Cleo is happy enough. She likes her job in the fish and chip shop in the North West seaside town where she grew up. But her world has become very small – all her friends couldn’t wait to leave home and are off, apparently crushing life. They have shiny careers and creative side-hustles, while she is still living with her mum and dad.

But when she learns that her dream childhood boyfriend is coming back to town for a party in three months, she decides she needs to start adulting to win him.

But what does being a grown-up really mean? And can she become one in three months?

A Mother’ Betrayal By Louise Guy

When Julia Hudson is involved in a near-fatal accident, the lives of her children – nurse Flo and her twin sister, high-flying lawyer Ari – are sent into freefall.

As they sit vigil by their mother’s bedside, the sisters discover that Julia, who has always preached unwavering principles and integrity, has been keeping a terrible secret. A secret that shatters everything they’ve ever believed about their family.

But the twins have each other… or do they? Because Julia is not the only one keeping secrets…

With Julia in a coma and unable to answer their questions, her journals might provide the answers they seek. But Julia’s journals reveal yet another dark secret. One that will make the sisters question every part of the life they’ve lived.

Marry Me In Italy By Nicky Pellegrino

A dream wedding in Italy?
It’s the chance of a lifetime!

Skye has been with Tim forever and the last thing she’s thinking about is saying ‘I do’. It’s Tim that enters the dream wedding competition – he’s longing to win an all-expenses-paid trip to romantic Montenello. An escape to a beautiful Italian hill town might be just what they need to find love again…

Anadefinitely isn’t interested in getting married – she doesn’t need a man to make her happy. But when she loses her job at a glossy food magazine, she jumps at the chance of a new life, renovating a crumbling Italian farmhouse. Her handsome (and very distracting) neighbour definitely isn’t part of the plan.

One thing’s for sure, this summer has surprises in store!

The Tanglewood Bookshop By Lilac Mills

A rural book shop. A chance to start over. But can she make her dream a reality?

Kazz used to love the excitement of her London life, but lately her passion for expensive city living has begun to wane. So when she’s given the opportunity to open a bookshop in picturesque Tanglewood, she jumps at the chance.

But village life is much quieter than she anticipated – is she actually suited for rural living? Resigned to a boring and uneventful Christmas, when she meets gorgeous Saul she is more than ready to have some fun and enjoy the festivities. If only Saul didn’t have a reputation for being a player…

Will Kazz become the heroine in her own Christmas romance, or will he love her and leave her under the mistletoe?

Review Card & Book Review – Ex In The City By Portia MacIntosh

Nicole Wilde’s life has not panned out how she expected.

Ten years ago when she was living the rock star lifestyle as a music journalist – touring the country, going to gigs and hanging out with celebrities – she never thought she would end up living an uneventful life in suburbia, in a relationship that is well past its sell-by date.

Nicole knows that her days of wild parties and tour buses are over, but yet there is something that keeps drawing her back to her old life. So when rock star Dylan King turns up on her doorstep needing her help to restore his public image, she can’t resist one last trip down memory lane.

But Nicole and Dylan’s history is complicated. And when her old life and new life collide, she will soon realise that you can’t run away from your past forever, and sometimes you just have to follow your heart…

About The Author

My Review

Nicole, a former music journalist, traded her rockstar lifestyle for a settled life with her partner Rowan and his kids. However, when her past resurfaces, it shakes up her world. The novel offers a peek into the music industry and life on the road, with relatable characters and a second chance romance between Nicole and her rockstar friend Dylan. As Nicole navigates trust issues and reflects on her desired life, the story resonates with moms juggling family and past dreams. Despite minor pacing issues, the plot unfolds smoothly with engaging complexity and chemistry between characters. Overall, it’s a well-crafted novel by MacIntosh that promises an enjoyable read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 11 September 2024

‘Tis The Damn Season By Fiona Gibson

This year, their families can deck the bloody halls themselves…

Old friends Shelley, Lena and Pearl have reached their limit with the festive preparation that has always fallen to them, and five days before Christmas, they’ve booked a mini break… without their families. Up until Christmas Eve, they’ll be sipping prosecco in the Highlands while their kids wrap bacon around 100 chipolatas and their partners brave the supermarkets.

It’s exactly what they need… until they’re snowed in. Facing the prospect of Christmas 500 miles from home, each woman is forced to confront her real reasons for needing to escape: the fiance with the obnoxious family; the son’s new girlfriend who is taking over their home; the family who take their mother for granted all year round…

Will the friends make it home before Christmas day? And if they do, can they really go back to their old lives?

Review Card & Book Review – The Grumpy One By Leslie North

Cleaning floors in Branson Couture was never part of my career plans. Neither was almost decapitating the CEO with a mop.Of course, I didn’t know he was the CEO—my mind only registered “intruder” and “hot”. Maybe not in that order.

Meet James Branson: infuriatingly hot, obscenely wealthy, and as charming as a door slammed in your face. He’s the king of high fashion. And, apparently, of ruining my day. The thing is, he wants to do more than just ruin my day. In my hasty retreat from the mop-attack I left my design journal behind.

James discovers my designs and offers me truly insane money to work beside him. Every cell in my body is screaming: “Run, girl!” James is a master of the boardroom with a heart encased in steel. This Snarlmaster General has a scowl that could out-thunder a hurricane. He also holds the key to my dreams in his giant mitts. But I can’t think about his giant… anything.

In the fashion world, it’s not just designs that get ripped apart at the seams. Hearts do as well. But if James thinks I’ll let him unravel mine, he’s in for the fight of his billionaire life. So I have a plan: Show up. Do my job. Don’t think about my boss naked. Piece of cake, right?

About The Author

My Review

This book introduces readers to a hilarious and charming romance between Natalie, a spirited cleaner, and James Branson, the grumpy CEO of Branson Couture. Their worlds collide when Natalie accidentally attacks James with a wet mop, leading to unexpected sparks and a surprising job offer for Natalie on James’s design team.North skillfully weaves together humor and romance in this delightful romantic comedy, featuring witty banter, steamy encounters, and heartwarming moments. Despite their initial clash, Natalie and James find themselves drawn to each other, creating a captivating story filled with laughter and love.With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and sizzling chemistry.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Happy Publication Day – 10 September 2024

Illicit Temptations By Katee Robert

What if the one person you shouldn’t want is the one you can’t resist?

Make Me Yours

Becka Baudin gets what she wants, and she wants Aaron Livingston—but only for a quick affair. Weeks later, her coveted freedom starts to disappear thanks to a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Aaron insists she move in to his penthouse and commit to a relationship, but Becka demands he give her space without pushing for more. They are total opposites—with different jobs, interests, lives. But their chemistry keeps pushing them together…for better or for worse?

Make Me Need

Trish Livingston desperately needs her new job. Which means putting up with the world’s grumpiest boss—who is also her brother’s best friend and business partner, Cameron O’Clery. The way he looks at her is pure disdain…but when he touches her, it’s pure fire. With family and business ties at stake, they are not supposed to be together. There’s a fine line between hate and lust, and they are going to cross it…but at what cost?

Before We Were Us By Denise Hunter

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

The Sky Beneath Us By Fiona Valpy

An inspiring, uplifting story of love and loss, courage and adventure, from the bestselling author of The Skylark’s Secret.

1927. Violet Mackenzie-Grant is embarking on her dream of studying at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women. She doesn’t yet know that it’s a journey that will take her to Kathmandu and beyond, deep into captivating landscapes and cultures that are worlds away from everything and everyone she’s left behind in Scotland.

2020. Daisy Laverock has dreamed of retracing the footsteps of her great-great-aunt Violet ever since discovering her long-lost journals, whose accounts of plant hunting in the 1930s inspired Daisy’s own career. Divorced, and facing an empty nest, Daisy decides to embark on the trip of a lifetime. She arrives in Nepal, ready to start trekking in the shadow of Everest. But fate, and the pandemic, have other plans.

Stranded and alone, Daisy must fall back on the kindness of strangers, taking inspiration from Violet’s determination and resilience to keep going in the darkest of times. As she gradually pieces together the fragments of Violet’s story and uncovers long-held secrets, can Daisy finally reveal a path forward to her own future?

Fall Into Temptation By Lucy Score

Beckett Pierce is the most eligible bachelor in the nosiest small town in upstate New York. But after his last girlfriend handcuffed herself to his porch and set his welcome mat on fire, he’s not looking for any more romance.

Especially if it lands right in his own backyard. And has miles of red hair.

Gianna Decker has her hands full—no, overflowing—with problems. With two kids, a useless ex, and a brand new yoga studio, the last thing on her mind is finding a man who’ll demand more of her time.

Fantasizing about her hot, broody landlord? Mistake. Lusting after the sexy mayor of her new town? Terrible idea. Getting naked with the “favorite” son of her father’s new lady friend? N-O. Getting involved with Beckett has disaster written all over it.

Those stolen kisses were accidental. A few moments of strings-free, sizzling passion couldn’t possibly cause any trouble. At least, not until tempers flare when their families complicate things and the interfering citizens of Blue Moon step in with their special brand of chaos.

Review Card & Book Review – Sizzle By Kimberly Kincaid

Sam Faurier is in deep trouble.

Which normally wouldn’t be a problem for an elite firefighter with razor-sharp instincts and cocky bravado to spare. Except this time, his impulsive decision on a call got fellow firefighter, Lucy de Costa, into hot water, too.

Did he mention that he’s had an unrequited crush on her for years? Or that she’s the battalion chief’s by-the-book daughter?

Or that the call that got them both benched was actually arson, only Sam can’t prove it without help?

Lucy de Costa doesn’t break the rules, and she sure as hell doesn’t catch feelings for other firefighters. She’s worked way too hard to make her way up the ranks for that, no matter how sexy Sam Faurier’s smile is—or how hot his determination.

He’s convinced there’s an arsonist on the loose. Trouble is, she’s the only one who believes him. And she’s going to have to throw protocol and caution out the window in order to help him prove it.

Even if she finds herself unable to resist him—and how much he wants her—in the process.

But the more they uncover, the deeper the danger becomes. To catch the arsonist, Sam and Lucy will have to rely on their wits, their training, and each other.

Before it’s too late.

About The Author

My Review

Sam and Lucy’s romantic suspense tale captivates from start to finish, seamlessly blending romance and danger. The gradual buildup of suspense, alongside the deepening relationship between the protagonists, creates a perfect balance. Both Sam and Lucy are portrayed as flawed yet relatable individuals, navigating their personal struggles while facing the threat of an arsonist. As they confront their attraction and work to uncover the truth, the story unfolds with witty dialogue, multidimensional characters, and engaging plot twists. With sweet moments, spicy scenes, and thrilling action, this well-written narrative promises an exciting journey filled with love, friendship, and danger.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – The Space Between Us By Melanie Summers

Love just might be the final frontier…

S.E.T.I. researcher, Gwen Fox, is a woman on a mission—to answer the cosmic question of the ages: Are we alone?

Along with her work family, Gwen is perfectly happy spending her days listening for extraterrestrial signals— until the worst happens. They get word that they’re about to be shut down by Ty Sterling, their billionaire backer whose heart is as cold as interstellar space.

About to lose everything, Gwen has no choice but to travel to Peru to change his mind. Armed only with scientific zeal and optimism, Gwen faces off against Ty, who just might be the most stubborn, cynical man in the galaxy.

As the tension between the pair builds, so does the undeniable chemistry that neither of them saw coming. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Peruvian jungle, the space between enemies and lovers begins to collapse.

Will Gwen and Ty discover that together they form a supernova of passion? Or will their budding relationship crash and burn on impact?

About The Author

My Review

This book is a delightful rom-com that blends STEM, billionaires, and adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones, as Gwen and Ty embark on a journey through the Peruvian jungles for Dr. Napper’s final wish. In this enemies-to-lovers tale, Gwen, a SETI researcher, clashes with Ty, a skeptic billionaire seeking revenge on his absentee father. Their banter is filled with wit and charm, with Gwen’s relatable humor shining through. While Ty’s character development could have been deeper, the progression of their relationship feels natural, despite its insta-love elements. With nods to movies like “The Lost City” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” this action-packed rom-com offers a refreshing and entertaining twist that will captivate readers.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Catch and Release By Tracy Solheim

A second chance, enemies-to-lovers football romance.

He’s the pro athlete everyone wants to be.
Quarterback Trey Van Horn didn’t become the league’s MVP by accident. Years of self-discipline and iron-clad control have made him the envy of everyone in and around the game of football. But when he comes face-to-face with the one who got away, his tightly managed life is turned upside down. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to score the greatest comeback of his life.

She’s tired of being every guy’s doormat.
London Headley is on the verge of having the career she’s always dreamed of. Too bad the path to her promotion runs through the guy who broke her heart a decade earlier. So what if everything about the Milwaukee Growlers QB sets her panties on fire? She’s determined to keep things professional. Life has taught her that men will always choose something—or someone—over her. It’s going to take more than a Hail Mary to get her to buy into the fairy tale.

The only problem? Her lips don’t seem to want to follow the game plan. Not when Trey is executing an all-out blitz to prove he’s worth a second chance.

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Trey and London’s tumultuous journey to rediscovering love in the third installment of the Milwaukee Growlers Football series. Trey, the star quarterback, reluctantly agrees to chair a gala where he crosses paths with London, a PR guru with whom he shares a complicated history. Despite their unresolved past, the undeniable chemistry between them reignites as they work together. As they navigate their feelings and confront past misunderstandings, Trey and London must confront their fears and compromise to find happiness together. This heartwarming story is filled with steamy encounters, emotional depth, and charming moments, offering readers a delightful blend of romance and second chances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm By Della Galton

Puddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever.
Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man.

Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect.

When an ex’s heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone – but is it within Phoebe’s power to work miracles?

About The Author

My Review

Life remains hectic at Phoebe’s veterinary practice, leaving little time for her relationship with Sam, who is concerned about his mother’s troubling behavior. Meanwhile, Phoebe’s grandmother, Maggie, meticulously plans her wedding to Eddie, adding to Phoebe’s busy schedule. Rufus, facing changes in his life, seeks a new focus after his relationship with Phoebe ends. Amidst the anticipation of Maggie’s wedding and Phoebe and Sam’s evolving relationship, the narrative unfolds with animal-related challenges and heartwarming tales from Puddleduck Farm. Despite being part of a series, the book stands alone with engaging storytelling and a satisfying conclusion, though it hints at the possibility of future installments. With beloved characters and a charming New Forest setting, this delightful read is highly recommended.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo