October 15, 2024 – My Sanctuary

All I Want For Christmas By Karen Swan

Can she find love this Christmas?

When Darcy Cotterell discovers her boyfriend is cheating, she falls out of love with love. With Christmas coming she’s also too busy pursuing her PhD studies in Copenhagen to be distracted by a broken heart, despite her friends’ efforts to set her up with the ‘perfect’ blind date in the city.

Then an unknown portrait by Denmark’s greatest painter is discovered beneath another masterpiece and Darcy is charged with discovering the identity of the woman in the painting. With no name or any supporting evidence to work with, she must utilise all her research skills to find a ghost. Working closely with the most powerful figures in the art scene, she encounters Max Lorensen – her blind date! The attraction is instant but knowing they must work together, they agree to keep things between them professional. But the chemistry between them is hard to ignore until one of Darcy’s discoveries threatens to set her and Max on opposite sides for ever . . .

Stuck In Paradise With You By Laura Carter

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

Eleanor Lark is an upbeat illustrator plagued by headaches and unruly strawberry blonde hair. After a grueling cross-country flight, she blacks out cold. The brooding stranger who sat next to her grumping his way through the flight catches Elle as she falls. Neither expects the sweet chaos that happens next.

August Marshall is stonehearted, insanely rich, and a master of corporate cleanups with major baggage of his own. The last man alive who needs a media frenzy after his airport heroics steal headlines. But August has a plan—ask Elle to marry him so their trouble disappears.

Elle almost faints again. They just met! But it’s hard to say no when August tells her she might be the key to saving a children’s book series she adores. And it’s even harder to remember it’s only pretend as sparks fly, hearts fall, and two perfect strangers try to remember life before make-believe…

About The Author

My Review

“Almost Pretend” by Nicole Snow offers a familiar romance setup—billionaire businessman August Marshall and eccentric artist Elle Lark engage in a fake relationship that eventually leads to true love—but what sets it apart is the power of Snow’s writing. Her poetic and evocative style transforms the common trope into an emotionally charged journey. The interplay of humor, heartbreak, and sensuality pulls readers into the story, creating a captivating reading experience.

The plot revolves around August rescuing Elle at the airport after she faints from a severe migraine attack, leading to media buzz and a fake engagement proposal from August to salvage his tarnished reputation. In return, Elle gains an apprenticeship with August’s renowned aunt, children’s book illustrator Clara Marshall. Their interactions are filled with contrasting personalities: August is grumpy and brooding, with a history of betrayal and public scrutiny, while Elle is an embodiment of chaos, positivity, and vibrancy.

As they navigate their fake relationship, both August and Elle face complex emotions that grow into something real. The underlying secrets and lies within August’s family publication company threaten to derail their blossoming relationship, but the author’s careful pacing and detailed character development make their journey compelling. Despite their efforts to resist falling in love, they find themselves drawn closer with each passing day, leading to an eventual happy ending that is both heartfelt and rewarding. The book’s conclusion provides a satisfying resolution, showcasing August’s transformation and Elle’s bright spirit.

My Rating