Monthly Archives: November 2024

Happy Publication Day – 19 November 2024

The Mr Right Checklist By Melissa Foster

Dog groomer and budding marriage-proposal planner Destiny Amor believes in true love and happily ever afters. Though it’s not in the stars for her yet—honestly, who can live up to the criteria on her Mr. Right Checklist?—she wants it for others. When Destiny’s first misguided attempt at romance concierge ends in disaster, she’s ready to call it quits, until the supposed groom-to-be steps in with a proposal of his own.

Ryan “Fletch” Fletcher, a divorced-and-never-going-there-again professor, needs to get his matchmaking family off his back, and the disorganized, too-in-love-with-love proposal planner is the perfect solution. He offers to help Destiny get her business on track, if she’ll play the part of his adoring girlfriend at his brother’s wedding.

A professional situationship with her grumpy dog-grooming client? Destiny adores his pup, and she could put up with him to get her business off the ground. With any luck, she might even get that chip about love off his shoulder.

Review Card & Book Review – The Backup Bride Proposal By Jaci Burton

When a production company decides to shoot a movie at winery and wedding venue, Red Moss Vineyards, Mae Wallace is thrilled with the possibility of new business. She’s less thrilled when she finds leading actor Kane August crashing one of the weddings!

Kane is rarely surprised by anything-until he meets sharp and ever-so-slightly snarky Mae Wallace. But with his co-star held up on another set, he needs Mae to be his stand-in bride for the cameras. As he takes every opportunity to spend time with her and peel back her layers, he realises he’s letting her in, too.

When Kane takes her to his family’s ranch in Texas, Mae discovers a whole new side to him. Once burned, she has no intention of falling in love ever again, but Kane is determined to show her he’s the one man she can trust with her heart. If only Mae will allow herself to fall.

About The Author

My Review

This is the fourth book in the Boots and Bouquets series, set at the Bellini family’s Red Moss Vineyards, which includes a winery and a wedding planning business. The Bellini family agrees to host a movie production for publicity. Mae Wallace, close to the Bellini sisters, is appointed the liaison for the production company, despite her reservations about marriage due to a cheating ex-fiancé.

Mae confronts Kane August, mistaking him for a wedding crasher, but later learns he’s part of the movie crew. As Mae stands in for an actress, she and Kane grow closer, and their chemistry intensifies. Despite her initial distrust, Mae starts enjoying Kane’s company, and they develop strong feelings for each other.

The story features a heartwarming romance, a fantastic family dynamic, and enjoyable characters. Burton’s writing makes the romance fun, entertaining, and sexy, making the book a delightful read.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 18 November 2024

Christmas Cancellation By Evie James

Noelle Nichols must make it back to her small hometown for the most important deadline of her life. She’s jobless, newly single, and desperate to claim her inheritance before Christmas Eve—or risk losing everything.

When a snowstorm throws Noelle’s plans into the kind of madness only New York winters and canceled flights can bring, she lets loose on the wrong man: Captain Kol Vinter, the tough, ex-military airline pilot who’s suddenly in her way—and, annoyingly, the only person who can help her get home.

Stuck at LaGuardia, at the mercy of a snow apocalypse blowing in and airline chaos, Kol’s not exactly thrilled with Noelle’s fiery complaints about his airline, but something about her unguarded tears pulls him in.

When Kol catches Noelle wishing she’d never been born, he makes her an offer that could change both their lives: a one-way trip to Saratoga Springs, the quintessential Christmas town that’s lost all its magic for Noelle…until now. Kol stopped believing in holiday magic long ago. After offering this sassy spitfire a ride, all Kol can think about is how bad of an idea this is. What begins as a bumpy ride soon turns into something steamier than hot cocoa by the fire, with moments that ignite hotter than any flaming marshmallow. But Kol isn’t your typical holiday hero—he’s got scars of his own and walls he’s not keen to let down.

Noelle’s sassy exterior can only keep them both at arm’s length for so long, especially as she rediscovers the joy of the season in the town she used to call home. He may be a grumpy “guardian angel,” but what if he’s exactly who Noelle’s been waiting for? Will Kol’s protective heart and smoldering presence be enough to remind her that life—even when it’s messy and shadowed by loss—can still be wonderful? Filled with snowball fights, spicy encounters, and small-town holiday charm, Christmas Cancellation is a heartfelt retelling of a Christmas classic that will have you laughing, crying, and believing in love all over again.

Review Card & Book Review – Three Cowboys and a Bride By Kate Pearce

Cowboy Max Romero is a married man—even if he hasn’t seen his bride since their impulsive Reno wedding. When the seriously sexy Brit Phoebe Creighton-Smith suddenly shows up in his life again, the last thing he expects is a request to play man-and-wife in front of her family. But it sounds like a challenge to the mischievous Max, who offers Phoebe one in return—give up proper English etiquette for riding the range like a real rancher’s woman.

Phoebe is willing to rope a stallion, if it means she can convince her grandmother to release the trust fund she’s entitled to after marriage. She’ll just have to pretend that her deliciously brawny “husband” isn’t tempting her to total abandon every minute of every day—and night. But just when the heat between them crackles into a blaze, Phoebe’s snobby clan forces Max to make a choice, he knows he’ll risk everything to convince her that with them, true love is a sure thing . . .

About The Author

My Review

Max, known for his unpredictable nature, returns with a newfound maturity and direction in life. Despite his efforts to prove himself, his friends remain skeptical of his intentions with Phoebe, which saddens him. Phoebe, married to Max for four years but estranged, finds more understanding from Max and his friends than from her own family. Misunderstandings plague their relationship, causing repeated hurt. While they eventually reconcile, the conclusion feels rushed. Overall, it is a good read to me.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Romancing The Grump By Jenny Proctor

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

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Barnes & Noblek

Review Card & Book Review – My Heart Still Beats By Helen Hardt

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

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Happy Publication Day – 16 November 2024

Second Chances At Hollyhock Farm By Georgina Troy

Festival season has come to Hollyhock Farm…

Since his sister Lettie took over their parents’ farm on the beautiful island of Jersey at the start of the year, Zac Torel’s life has changed completely. Zac loves Hollyhock Farm, and he’s determined to help Lettie succeed, but when their insurance company refuses to pay for the restoration of one of their barns in time for winter, the clock is ticking for the Torrels to raise the money themselves.

The siblings decide to host a wellness festival, but with the summer already well underway, they’ve got their work cut out to get everything ready before the season ends. Lettie recruits the help of Melody, a yoga teacher from Edinburgh. New to the island, Melody is determined to shake things up and make a success of Lettie’s festival.

But Melody has come to Jersey with more baggage than her small backpack implies. And as her friendship with Zac grows, will her past catch up with her?

Onwards And Upwards By Celia Anderson

Ingrid is desperate to sell up and move on. Recently widowed, she no longer needs the large house or the treasures (and tat) collected by her late husband, Tommy, an auctioneer. Then there’s the debt he left her with, too.

So, she jumps at the chance to downsize and move to Willowbrook on a temporary lease. She’ll open a pop-up shop for just one year – to dispose of Tommy’s accumulated goods – and then move on. No getting embroiled in village life.

But Ingrid hasn’t reckoned on Willowbrook’s extrovert local ladies (known as the Saga Louts). Or handsome local craftsman Joel, with whom there’s a definite attraction. They all want to help set up ‘The Treasure Trove’.

Surprisingly, it turns out Ingrid can also help them.

Will she ever achieve the fresh start and simpler life she craved? Or will Ingrid discover a wonderful new way to move onwards and upwards?

Review Card & Book Review – Royal Retelling By Holly Kerr

What if Prince Charming fell for the wicked step-sister?

The youngest son of the king of Laandia, Gunnar lives a charmed life, travelling the world without a thought of what’s going on in the kingdom. But when he’s called home for the royal wedding, Gunnar finds he has a big problem:

Prince Gunnar doesn’t have a date for the wedding.

And while this shouldn’t be a problem for the Playboy Prince, Gunnar has requirements: whoever he takes can’t take the attention away from the bride and groom, which would definitely happen with his jet-setting friends; and whoever he brings needs to know this is a one-time thing.

So when the town’s Sea Queen agrees to go with him, Gunnar is relieved—but her oh-so wicked stepsister, Stella, decrees it a very bad idea.

Once childhood friends, Stella now considers him more like a sworn enemy. Gunnar prefers to not think of her, because this Stella, who curses rather than curtsies, has a never-ending arsenal of insults that is a sure way to ruin his day.

But as the wedding approaches, and Gunnar spends more time with Stella, he starts to wonder that, in this fairy tale retelling, he’s picked the wrong sister.

About The Author

My Review

**Royal Retelling** is the second book in Holly Kerr’s *Love in Laandia* series, which can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story centers on Prince Gunnar, a daring playboy from Laandia, who returns for his brother Odin’s wedding. Without a date, he asks Daphne, the town’s Snow Queen, but finds himself increasingly attracted to her stepsister, Stella, his former childhood friend.

Stella resents Gunnar due to a misunderstanding from their past, where she believed he was unfaithful to her friend. Despite their strained relationship, their witty exchanges help rekindle their connection. As Gunnar comes to terms with his feelings for Stella, he faces a choice between his adventurous lifestyle and a committed future with her.Overall, this book have well-developed characters, humor, and the thoughtful inclusion of non-binary representation, enriching the narrative.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Far From Home By T A Williams

The secrets of the past will unlock her future…

Working in the fast-paced foreign exchange market in Canary Wharf, Amy never expected her job to drive her to collapse. With her doctor advising she take a month off work, when Amy receives a solicitor’s letter informing her of a surprise inheritance in Italy, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

But who on earth has left her a house in the sleepy Tuscan hills?

As she gets to know the town and its inhabitants, Amy discovers more about the mysterious man who named her in his will. Shocking family secrets come to light, leaving Amy questioning the life she knew.

The town of Sant’Antonio holds more than just secrets. Here, Amy meets Adam, a renowned TV journalist whose documentaries take him to dangerous places. But as their attraction grows, so do Amy’s worries. Her life is in England, while Adam’s is untethered and under constant threat…

About The Author

My Review

“Far From Home” follows Amy, a forex worker who inherits property and a substantial sum from an unknown benefactor in Italy. After collapsing from a suspected heart attack, Amy is forced to take leave from work and travels to the Tuscan hills. There, she discovers her magnificent inheritance and uses the time to reflect on her relationship with her boyfriend. As Amy investigates her mysterious benefactor’s identity, she embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery. The novel features charming characters, a tight-knit community, and the delightful presence of a black Labrador. The romance develops slowly, culminating in a satisfying conclusion, but the true focus is on Amy’s personal growth and leap of faith. With its enchanting setting and engaging plot, the book offers a delightful, sunny read.

My Rating

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