November 17, 2024 – My Sanctuary

He’s a grump and happy to stay that way. But can her sunshine melt the ice around his heart?

Nathan Sanders didn’t earn his reputation as the grouchiest player on the Appies hockey team by chance. So when Summer Callahan breezes into his life with her flirtatious smiles and endless charm, he responds like he always does: he completely ignores her.

But Summer is intrigued by the surly defenseman, so when a viral social media post requires her to step in and fake it as Nathan’s girlfriend, she jumps at the chance. She’s convinced the ones with the hardest shells are often the softest underneath, and she’s determined to prove it.

But Nathan doesn’t crack so easily. Despite their obvious chemistry, he makes his lack of interest in a relationship—any relationship—perfectly clear. But the longer they pretend, the less fake everything seems, and the more Summer starts to fall.

She can only hope her fake relationship doesn’t lead to real heartbreak.

About The Author

My Review

This book made me a proud fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope! Engaging characters and heartwarming moments made it a delightful read, even without spice. Summer’s determination to make Nathan smile added depth, and their interactions were pure gold. Nervous about her new job, Summer agrees to be Nathan’s fake girlfriend for PR reasons, hoping to connect with him. Nathan, drawn to her warmth despite his past, begins to question his reservations about relationships. This light, enjoyable read left me smiling.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noblek

Some days I can almost see the person I used to be. See the version of myself that felt joy, even passion. But she’s gone…just out of reach.

Life moves on for everyone else, though, and as my best friend’s maid-of-honor, I have a bachelorette party to plan—in Jamaica, no less. And that means working side by side with the best man: Benjamin Black.

Billionaire. Workaholic. Ultimate bachelor. The perfect catch for any woman—unless she’s lost her sense of self.

Apparently my body hasn’t gotten the memo. Because from the second we meet, something begins stirring, warming my blood.

And when our hands touch, it’s a heady reminder that even if I feel numb, my heart still beats.

He’s nothing like I thought. Every moment with him unshackles a little more of my fears, cracks another layer of ice.

But I should be afraid—and so should he. Because the past never lets go so easily.

About The Author

My Review

**Tessa** used to be a vibrant and carefree woman until she experienced severe trauma from sexual assault, which left her withdrawn and distrustful. She feels like she’ll never regain her former happiness. Now, she must put on a brave face to organize her best friend’s bachelorette party, despite her overwhelming desire to hide from the world.

**Ben**, a wealthy and charming reformed playboy, works with his brother Braden. Knowing Tessa’s past, he becomes protective and deeply empathetic towards her. His feelings for her grow as they spend more time together, and he falls in love with her. Despite knowing she may never be ready for a romantic relationship, Ben is determined to support her and help her find happiness.

As Tessa slowly heals, Ben’s own troubled past begins to resurface, complicating their dynamic. Helen Hardt’s book, known for its intense romance, delves deeply into emotional and dark themes with care and sensitivity. The story is a compelling emotional journey, eliciting a wide range of reactions from the reader, from laughter to tears and frustration.

My Rating