Nikki Bridges has it good. An enviable home in an upscale neighborhood, a heavenly-scented hobby making personal-blend perfumes, a cherished daughter, and comfortable rituals with a husband she loves. How was she to know it would all blow up with her husband’s affair, a blindsiding divorce, and an identity crisis she never saw coming?
With little money, less work experience, and a modest apartment, Nikki is tentatively moving on. Along the way: a waitressing job, a bond with an empathetic group of friends, and reentering the dating game at fortysomething. Luring her out of her funk is Niraj, an ex-Londoner with twinkling eyes and a hint of cinnamon and ginger. For the first time in a long time, Nikki feels a warm summer flush—and with it, a spark of inspiration.
On a liberating quest for self-expression and the courage to follow a dream, Nikki is blending the pieces of a new life into a fragrance that is uniquely and passionately her own.
In “The Scent of Hours,” Nikki Bridges, in her mid-40s, faces upheaval when her husband leaves her and her house explodes. Left with little but a dream of becoming a perfumier, she allows her daughter to move in with her ex and starts anew. Through struggles and newfound opportunities, Nikki rebuilds her life, finding herself, making friends, and pursuing her passion. The novel delves deep into Nikki’s journey of self-discovery and resilience, offering a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and new beginnings.
When former naval captain, Harry Kincaid, is left in the lurch with his flighty older sister’s three unruly children, he hasn’t a clue how to handle it. Desperate, and prepared to pay whatever it takes, he turns to Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies for an emergency governess who can get his formerly ordered house running shipshape again.
After a strict and miserable upbringing, fledgling governess Georgie Rowe doesn’t believe that children should be seen and not heard. She believes that childhood should be filled with laughter, adventure, and discovery (. . . everything hers wasn’t). Thankfully, the three Pendleton children are already delightfully bohemian and instantly embrace her unconventional approach. However, their staid, stickler-for-the-rules uncle, is another matter entirely.
Georgie and Harry are soon butting heads over their differences, but as time passes, their attraction soon becomes undeniable and, after all, all’s fair in love and war . . .
At 16, Georgie Rowe is sent to a prestigious school for governesses by her abusive stepfather after her mother dies of smallpox. Six years later, she’s the last of her friends to be hired and is sent to Captain Harry Kincaid’s household. Harry’s free-spirited sister has left her three unruly children (and a dog) with him, while he, a strict and orderly Navy man, struggles with the new responsibility. Georgie, a bit of a rebel, works hard to manage the disciplined Captain and the energetic children who are not used to traditional schooling. Their romance develops slowly but engagingly, with a significant location change and many fun moments with the children and secondary characters. Georgie’s past trauma, particularly her memories of her abusive stepfather, adds depth to the story.
As one-half of the famous Siren’s pop duo, I’ve learned the hard way that love and fame don’t mix. It often brings pain, and hearts shatter all too easily. I’ve had enough.
But when we’re hired for the charity event of the year, my resolve quickly gets washed down the drain. Luca makes my heart skip a beat in a way it never did before. When I talk to him, the rest of the world doesn’t matter. Could he be the one worth risking another heartbreak for?
Luca
Joining a football match for charity was the last thing I wanted – I’m an actor, usually in the stands, not on the field – but one glance at Millie changes everything. Her beauty captivates me, her voice enchants me, and suddenly, winning her heart becomes my greatest ambition.
But fame has its price when it comes to love. Can we pay it?
Millie, one-half of the famous pop duo Siren, struggles with the pressures of fame and love. When she meets Luca at a charity event, she feels an instant connection, prompting her to reconsider her fear of relationships. Luca, participating in a charity football match, is immediately captivated by Millie’s beauty and voice and is determined to win her heart.
The dual POV narrative highlights Millie’s struggle with fame and her fear of public scrutiny. It explores the darker aspects of fame, including the impact of online trolls and social media, making it an emotionally impactful read. Millie’s journey to self-assurance, marked by her humor, charm, and sweetness, is inspiring and relatable. The book, with its adorable cover, blends chick-lit elements with a lively and heartwarming narrative. Author’s storytelling, characterized by witty dialogue and heartfelt scenes, creates a captivating and relatable reading experience with just the right amount of spice.
The members of SEAL Team Four are in terrible danger…of falling in love.
Dodging bullets and bad guys is business as usual for these rugged SEALs. The greater risk—losing their hearts to the feisty women they’ve sworn to protect. Romance fans will want to dive into this heart-pounding six-book boxset by bestselling author Katie Knight.
SEAL’s Surprise Daughter
When Charlotte’s best friend is murdered, she vows to protect her friend’s baby daughter. But she can’t do it alone. In desperation, she contacts Gabe, the girl’s father, a gruff and guarded Navy SEAL. All Charlotte wants is to be safe. She never counted on falling for a sexy SEAL!
Protecting my Brother’s Babies
Drake had never been close with his twin brother. Then his twin’s pregnant ex tells Drake she thinks his brother was murdered—and she may be next. Drake’s life is with the SEALs, but he puts everything on hold to protect Layla and her unborn child. He never planned to stay…until Layla kisses him.
Protecting his New Family
Owen’s priority has always been the Navy SEALs. In an instant, his world changes when he’s named co-guardian of his adorable niece. And the other guardian is his sister-in-law, Sam, a woman who’s always stirred his blood. Now they’re living in the same house, and fighting their attraction is a losing battle.
SEAL’s Convenient Marriage
Nate has one love, and that’s the Navy SEALs. Then Emily adopts his baby brother shortly before the little guy is diagnosed with cancer. Nate has healthcare, a home, a safe haven. He tells himself that marrying Emily is a practical choice, not an emotional one. If only he could convince his traitorous heart.
SEAL’s Christmas Daughter
Marissa hasn’t seen Zack in ten years—since their one-night stand left her pregnant. Now, the sexy Navy SEAL is back and hotter than ever. Marissa knows Zach isn’t back for her or their daughter; he’s on the hunt for a killer. But could a pinch of Christmas magic give Marissa the family she’s always wanted?
SEAL’s Justice
After Nataliya’s brother is murdered, she’s convinced someone is trying to kidnap her and her son. She moved to the States to be safe and find treatment for her sick son. Instead, she’s terrified. So when tough former Navy SEAL Adrian shows up, investigating her brother’s murder, she’s more than happy to let him into her life. Keeping him out of her heart may be more difficult…
SEAL’s Surprise Daughter This romantic suspense novel is both sweet and dramatic, with intense action and a compelling relationship between Charlotte and Gabe. Charlotte’s determination and Gabe’s protective nature make for a captivating story. The book explores deep emotional scars and features a mix of suspenseful and heartwarming family moments.
Protecting His Brother’s Babies A tale of corporate greed and family drama, this story follows Drake and Lake as they uncover the mystery behind Devon’s death. The chemistry between the protagonists and the suspense elements keep the reader engaged, making it a fast-paced and thrilling read.
Protecting His New Family An emotional story involving Owen and Sam, who take care of their nephew after the deaths of their siblings. The narrative includes family drama, a stalker, and professional threats. While the romantic connection between Owen and Sam feels lacking, the intrigue and emotional complexity make the story compelling.
SEAL’s Christmas Daughter A second-chance romance between Zach and Marissa, whose separation and reunion are driven by serendipitous events and a big surprise. The suspense and sweet ending make this a satisfying read.
SEAL’s Convenient Marriage This contemporary twist on a marriage of convenience involves military hero Nate, his brother Matthew, and Emily, whose independent nature and unrealistic dreams cause tension. Despite frustrations with Emily, the story is enjoyable and ends well.
SEAL’s Justice The conclusion of the SEAL Team Four saga features Nataliya, a protective mother, and Adrian, whose initial heavy-handed approach softens as they unite to protect her son. Revisiting previous couples and the satisfying ending make this a strong finish to the series.
All she wanted was a lovely family Christmas with perfect turkey and luxury crackers. Instead, daughter Sara announces she’s getting divorced…and where is the fizz? And son, John and perfect wife Vanessa announce they are leaving for New York… and are the vegetables organic? And not one of them has made her a cup of tea!
So Joy decides she’s going to leave them all to it and head to France to visit her younger sister Isobel – a break from it all is just what she needs!
Isabel’s potato farm in France might be rustic, but Joy is hoping to find a bit of the old her again. Do her family really only think she’s their dogs body? Where has Joy’s joy gone?
Being with Isobel is loud and chaotic and being together brings out both sisters’ mischievous side! And being in France adds a welcome touch of ooh la la to Joy’s life again. Soon, she has a new job, a new man and maybe even, a second chance at living!
After being ditched at the altar, Emmy Shaw’s heart, like her dented food truck, is definitely not open for business. Deeply in debt to her parents and evicted from her apartment, she takes a friend’s drunken dare and fills out an application for a new dating-adventure reality show. She never expects to be chosen—or to get a chance at the show’s huge cash prize, which could put her life back on track.
But when she’s abandoned in the middle of the jungle two months later wearing only a bathing suit and a backpack, she questions if being on the show might be even worse than the #emmytrashtruck hate brigade she left back home. Then she meets her fellow cast members—including sexy, inscrutable Wes—and starts to reconsider, wondering if maybe money’s not all she stands to gain from this experience.
After a year of abysmal failures, this summer of cave treks, jungle hikes, impromptu talent shows, and a sexy flirtmance turns out to be just the thing to help Emmy rebuild her shattered confidence. She signed up for the show to hide from the mess her life had become, but this escape from reality might be just what she needs to find herself.
The story follows Emmy, a talented baker left at the altar less than a year ago, struggling to keep her small business afloat. Her assistant suggests that money is the key to saving her business and proposes applying for the reality TV show “Big Wild Love Adventure,” which could provide advertising and a cash prize. Despite her skepticism and with some liquid courage, Emmy applies and surprisingly gets accepted. The show offers her not only a chance to win money but also a shot at love.The story is full of entertaining twists and turns, and it includes meaningful character development, particularly Emmy’s journey of self-discovery. The romance is a slow burn, with the focus more on Emmy’s personal growth, making her a relatable and rootable heroine. Overall, the book is an exciting and satisfying summer read with a balance of fun and substance.
Life has been one big bump in the road after another for midwife Skylar. After moving to Nashville for a fresh start, she immediately clashes with grumpy bachelor Dr. Jared. So she’s unimpressed when they must feature together on their patient’s reality TV show! On-screen, they’re strictly professional. But off camera, she discovers there’s more to Jared than meets the eye. Can she convince this buttoned-up doc to let loose for once?
About The Author
My Review
“Unbuttoning the Bachelor Doc” by Deanne Anders, the first book in the Nashville Midwives series, is a sweet romance between midwife Skylar and Dr. Jared. Skylar moves to Nashville for a fresh start and immediately clashes with the serious and grumpy Jared. Both characters have tragic backstories, with Jared especially haunted by his difficult childhood, making him wary of relying on others or pursuing a relationship with Skylar, who frequently teases him.
The plot thickens when a pregnant Nashville music star requests Skylar’s services, and Jared is assigned to assist, particularly to ease the anxieties of the expectant father. Their involvement in the star’s reality show brings Skylar and Jared closer, pushing Jared out of his comfort zone and stirring his growing feelings for Skylar.
The narrative details the frustrations and slow progress of their relationship as Jared battles his fears and hesitations. Ultimately, Jared overcomes his past, culminating in a sweet and romantic gesture to Skylar. Overall, this book have engaging medical scenarios and intriguing situations, adding depth to the romance.
He’s the world’s most famous frontman. She couldn’t care less.
Lexi is only thirty years old, but is already an Oscar-winning documentary director. So when she is asked to ditch her current project to film the reunion tour of boy band Rebel Heart, she is disappointed. She didn’t work this hard to follow a boy group on tour and document their every manufactured move for teenage fans.
But after meeting Aidan, the unofficial ‘head’ of the band, something new stirs inside her. She thinks he’s egotistical, entitled, and impulsive. Equally, Aidan thinks Lexi is high-strung, secretive, and emotionally devoid.
Tensions rise, and as Lexi blends work and pleasure, she can’t let go of her difficult past with the father that abandoned her. She doesn’t expect people to stay in her life for long. Especially the lead of a boy band. But is this project about to prove all of her expectations wrong…?
When Breanna steps in for her twin to become the king’s convenient bride, she’s confident of her plan to escape their arrangement. But her attraction to dutiful, guarded Sebastian throws a wrench into the works! Sebastian’s only priority is to his people, but stunning Breanna challenges him to be both—a man and a king. Can she tame single-minded Sebastian, and show him there could be more to their royal marriage…?
The plot centers on Breanna, who volunteers to marry the king in place of her twin sister. Despite planning to escape the marriage, Breanna’s attraction to the king, Sebastian, complicates things. Sebastian, focused on his duty to his people, finds himself challenged by Breanna to embrace both his roles as a man and a king. The book charming overall, despite some minor issues.
Floundering junior travel writer Katie has just been given the opportunity of her career. Her boss can’t make her trip to the idyllic but little-known Italian island of Ponza, and Katie must step into her luxurious designer shoes to write the piece for the magazine. Boarding the plane with her best friend Farrah, Katie waves goodbye to her unglamorous domestic trips and hello to a week of sun, sand and sparkling seas.
But then disaster strikes. Farrah is involved in an accident and Katie must stay by her side for a month while she recovers. Katie is in panic-mode, trying to appease both her micro-managing boss and her passive-aggressive boyfriend back in New York, while an intriguing local chef, Nico, tries to show her all that the island has to offer.
As she gets to know Nico and falls in love with the relaxed pace of the island, Katie begins to question her life back home and what she truly wants. But will she figure out what’s truly important to her before it’s too late?
Junior travel writer Katie gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she steps in for her boss to visit Ponza, Italy. Accompanied by her best friend Farrah, she bids farewell to unglamorous trips for a week of sun and sea. However, after Farrah has an accident, Katie must stay on the island for a month. Juggling a micromanaging boss and a passive-aggressive boyfriend back in New York, she encounters Nico, a charming local chef who shows her the island’s beauty. Katie begins to question her life back home and what she truly wants. This enjoyable novel features vivid scenic and culinary descriptions, a demanding boss, a problematic boyfriend, and a captivating Italian chef.