Happy Publication Day – 21 January 2025

Find Her By Katherine Garbera

A DEA agent has one goal in mind…
And getting personal could be deadly 

Lee Oscar has convinced herself she can keep her past in the past until an old friend tells her that a student of his has disappeared. Lee launches a search for the missing teen, colliding with DEA agent Aaron Quentin’s investigation. Together they forge an impromptu partnership—and make a fake relationship their cover. Lee and Aaron are determined to rescue the girl in danger while bringing down a deadly crime syndicate. Posing as lovers without succumbing to the ruse may be the more difficult task.

Billionaire’s Bride Bargain By Millie Adams

“I have to get married.
And I think I should marry you.”

Set the London tabloids ablaze with an engagement announcement! This is publicist Auggie Fremont’s pitch to save her boss, Matias Balcazar, from a media frenzy. She never imagined he’d insist she become his convenient bride-to-be.

If she wears his ostentatious diamond, Matias promises to secure the future of Auggie’s company. Yet, while their relationship is for show, every staged touch from the sinfully attractive billionaire leaves Auggie breathless. And as she unravels the layers of his devil-may-care facade, their faked passion begins to feel achingly and irresistibly real…

Prince’s Proposal For The Canadian Cameras By Nina Singh

HOAX—TO HAPPY-EVER-AFTER?

To shield his sister from media attention, Prince Raul needs to distract the press—what better way than a royal engagement? Sofia is the perfect candidate for his fake fiancée. She’s beautiful and caring and their friendship is completely platonic. Or so he thought… Pretending to be in love for a Canadian crown tour should have been easy, but beyond the spotlight, an unexpected chemistry sparks between them. Yet Raul knows he can’t inflict his duty-bound existence on Sofia for good. Even if he is tempted to trade their ruse for something more

Brewing Up A Bad Boy By Katherine Garbera

A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.

Sometimes the second sip is sweetest. 

In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling proposition: pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.

Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.

But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?

Lie For A Million By Janet Dailey

Lila Culhane’s life is in turmoil. As if coping with the murder of her husband isn’t enough, now the glamorous young widow has Frank’s even younger mistress to contend with. His pregnant mistress. Crystal. But Lila hasn’t got time for more heartache. With everyone grasping to profit from Frank’s death, including fighting for possession of her beloved ranch, she needs leverage for the battle.

As it turns out, Crystal may be carrying just the edge Lila requires: an heir. Crystal offers to let Lila adopt Frank’s baby—for a price. Lila is willing to consider it—pending a paternity test. Until then, she’ll focus on her role in the upcoming high-stakes Run for a Million reining competition, and her ranch manager—and lover—Roper McKenna.  

Rugged, hardworking, and talented, Roper is finally getting his dream to ride in the prized competition. Lila expects he’ll choose the Culhane’s legendary stallion, One in a Million, as his mount. But when he considers other offers, she finds herself questioning his loyalty . . .

Meanwhile, Detective Sam Rafferty’s list of suspects in Frank’s murder is growing. Besides Roper and Lila, Frank’s bitter first wife and his sparring extended family, there are adversarial neighbors, ex-lovers, and perhaps even the woman Sam loves—Frank’s own pampered daughter, Jasmine. And as the surprises multiply, a killer remains free to strike again—if these rivals don’t kill each other first . . .

Paramedic’s Reunion In Paradise By Alison Roberts

A RISK WORTH TAKING…AGAIN?

Paramedic and adrenaline junkie Maya treasures volunteering at Reki Island Children’s Camp. But a reunion with her ex, the camp’s latest recruit, was not on the agenda! It’s been a decade since Dr. Eli broke her heart, yet their attraction reignites with just one glance… Which is very inconvenient, because the losses Eli’s faced have made him more cautious and guarded than ever. Despite their differences and the echoes of old pain between them, Maya’s soon reminded why she first fell for Eli. Trapped in paradise, could this be their sun-soaked second chance?

Her Cowboy Cupid By Sasha Summers

More than friends?

Maybe by Valentine’s Day!

Shy Kitty Crawley never got over her crush on former bronc champ Tyson Ellis. She’s always been his pal and “my buddy’s shy little sis” and that’s just dandy. Mostly. But now that Tyson’s temporarily the guardian of two little girls—and in way over his cowboy hat—they’re finding more ways to bond. Suddenly Kitty’s cowboy crush is in danger of growing into something else. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s no escaping Cupid…or the bronc rider she’s falling for.

A Protector For Her Baby By April Arrington

For one little boy,

he’ll change his whole life…

From the moment Mallory Kent arrives at his farm, pregnant and seeking shelter, Liam Williams vows to help her. Mallory’s fleeing an abusive ex-husband and needs to start over. Caring for Liam’s elderly mother, who has dementia, gives Mallory stability—for now. Soon Liam can’t picture life without Mallory or little Oliver. But Mallory struggles to trust any man, especially now she has a son to keep safe. Can Liam show her the family they’re building is worth risking her heart?

Big Sky Bachelor By Joanna Sims

Right man, right time, right place…

But for how long? 

When successful real estate broker to the rich and famous Danica Brand leaves her two-timing fiancé to regroup at the family ranch, the city girl doesn’t count on a tall, handsome doctor sweeping her off her feet. Dr. Matteo Katz is the most eligible bachelor in Big Sky, Montana. And everything from his Miami good looks to his small-town hospitality temps Danica into his bed. Matteo’s endgame has always been marriage and a family, but Danica is the only woman who makes him ready to commit. Can he convince her to trade her big-city lifestyle for a small-town dream and a chance to redefine her idea of “home”?

An Italian Island Secret By Victoria Springfield

It’s time to return to Ischia…

Alessia knows her grandmother grew up on the beautiful Italian island off the coast from Naples. But Ornella seldom talks about her life there – or why she never went back.

So Alessia is amazed when Ornella reveals that as a young woman, she had worked on the set of a famous 1950s movie filmed on the island. Is there a link between the film set and the tragic death of Ornella’s teenage sister?

Ornella has kept her past – and the life-changing promise she made – a secret for over sixty years. She has tried not to think about the love she gave up. But now, perhaps the truth should finally be revealed…

Travelling to Ischia together, Alessia falls in love with the captivating island. Meeting handsome journalist Roberto helps her dig deeper into her family’s past, too. Just what happened to Ornella’s sister? What heart-wrenching secret is her grandmother hiding?

This summer, can Alessia and Ornella put the past to rest and find the happy ending they both deserve?

In Need Of A Cowboy By Linda Lael Miller & Heather Graham

ASK ME AGAIN
by Linda Lael Miller
Sudden fatherhood turns an Arizona rancher’s life upside down. But when a burned-out and beautiful social worker moves in across the road, the lonely cowboy finds the missing piece of his family puzzle in a city girl who’s not afraid to take a chance . . .

THE COWBOY 
by Heather Graham
He thinks she’s a fancy filly. She thinks he’s a jerky jock. When they wind up on the same team, the barrel-racing FBI agent and the no-nonsense detective have to rethink their first impressions . . . to track down a criminal mastermind who’s abducted two women.

Review Card & Book Review – A Perfect Story By Elisabet Benavent

Two heartbroken people from totally different worlds go on a fake-dating vacation of a lifetime. What could possibly go wrong?

Margot Ortega always struggled to be the princess in her own fairytale: a successful career, a huge salary, a gorgeous apartment, and a perfect fiancé. But on her wedding day, she suffers a major panic attack and has to call it off.

Devastated and ashamed, Margot decides to drown her sufferings in a mad night of alcohol and dancing. The next day, she goes back to the sleazy club to retrieve her sister’s cell phone, and has a crazy encounter with David Sánchez, the handsome, fun-loving bartender who persuades her to pretend to be his new girlfriend in order to make his ex jealous. David recognizes the sadness in her eyes, and together they conspire to help each other get their exes back. Little do they know how much fun they’ll have and how much they’ll complicate their lives.

A trip to Greece together that Margot sees as a much-needed getaway creates an unexpected connection and depth of intimacy between two people who belong to two totally different worlds. What starts as a simple escape for fun and adventure becomes complicated and devastating when the depth of their feelings pulls the two lovers in different directions and forces them to make a life-altering decision. 

About The Author

My Review

“A Perfect Story” follows Margot and David as they embark on a fake-dating vacation to escape their heartbreak. Margot, who seemingly had everything, experiences a major setback on her wedding day and meets David, a bartender recently dumped by his girlfriend for not being stable or successful. They bond over their similar sad eyes and decide to pretend to be a couple to make their exes jealous. During their trip to Greece, their fake romance turns into genuine intimacy, leading them to confront their true feelings and make life-changing decisions. The story is a heartfelt tale of love, humor, and self-discovery, told from dual perspectives and featuring an opposites-attract dynamic.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 20 January 2025

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?

How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May

How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?

Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?

Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.

Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.

Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance causes her heart to skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

Review Card & Book Review – Once Upon A Time In Venice By Carol Kirkwood

Can one magical city change their destiny?

Welcome to Venice, the fairytale city, where canals flow into hidden shadows and forbidden secrets whisper behind the masks…

The masked stranger

When Gina Bellini meets an enigmatic figure at the Venice carnival, their chemistry is unforgettable, before he vanishes into the night.

The Hollywood legend

Personal assistant, Issy Roberts is on location with Tinseltown’s biggest star. Will he discover her shocking lies?

The ultimate diva

Opera sensation Lucia De Santis has the world at her feet. How far will she go to get what she wants?

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming romance set in Venice. Gina Bellini, a renowned concierge at the White Palace Hotel, expertly attends to the elite’s demands. Amidst the Carnivale season’s glamour, famed opera singer Lucia Di Santis arrives, adding to the hotel’s lively atmosphere. The novel captures Venice’s magic through atmospheric canals, alleys, and traditions. With secrets, glamorous parties, romance, and love, Kirkwood’s vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make this an engaging and heartwarming read, perfect for summer.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Stranded And Seduced By Emmy Grayson

He doesn’t want his inheritance…
but he does want her!

Griffith Lykaois has rejected his family’s billion-dollar legacy. It’s a fitting punishment for his guilt over his father’s death. Only, estate lawyer Rosalind Sutton won’t quit. Amid a raging storm, the infuriatingly alluring woman is on his remote château doorstep determined he claim his inheritance.

Rosalind needs Griffith’s signature; the career she put her life on hold for depends on it. But stranded alone with the brooding tycoon, there’s no way innocent Rosalind can escape her response to their intoxicating clashes… The question is, does Rosalind even want to?

About The Author

My Review

Emmy Grayson delivers another captivating installment in The Diamond Club series. In this book, we follow Griffith, who is grappling with the grief of losing his father. Meanwhile, Rosalind has been trying to track him down to get some legal documents signed. When she finally finds him in France, a storm complicates matters, felling a tree that blocks the only route off the property and into town. Trapped together at the chateau, Griffith and Rosalind must confront their unexpected situation. Will their growing attraction prevail, or will their pasts keep them apart?

Grayson weaves a tale of two people forced to stay together until the path is cleared, providing just enough time for their connection to deepen. Will this brief time together be enough for them to act on their feelings, or will it pass as quickly as the storm? Discover how these characters navigate their identities and desires in this engaging read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 19 January 2025

The Paris Chapter By Victoria Walters

Can the city of love mend a broken heart?

Romance author Tessa Elliot has writer’s block, and worse – she isn’t sure she still believes in love. To heal her broken heart, she decides to go on the romantic break in Paris she’d booked before her world fell apart.

But when she arrives at the Airbnb, Tessa is stunned to find someone is already there. Her ex’s best friend Ethan has made himself at home, being told that the place would be empty.

As it’s Paris Fashion Week, and with no other options, they agree to share the apartment. Neither will be in the place much after all, with Ethan taking a cookery course and Tessa on a hard deadline to finish her novel.

But sharing close nights in a one bed apartment, there’s an undeniable pull towards one another.

Will Tessa be able open her heart, and her laptop, ever again?

Review Card & Book Review – The One That I Want By Sandy Barker

A gorgeous rom com, full of chemistry, heart and romance. 

Greta Davies, the features editor at a women’s magazine, is accomplished and successful. That is, in all areas except her love life.

Determined to help, Greta’s boss – and friend – secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, and sets out to make her dreams come true.

Work-obsessed Greta is nothing if not stubborn, so it’ll take some creative thinking, which leads to a lightbulb moment: a new column focused on dating in the city.

With date after disastrous date, things are not looking rosy for Greta. But little does Greta know, the perfect man has been there all along. Will she realise it’s more than friendship before it’s too late?

About The Author

My Review

Greta, a successful editor at a women’s magazine, finds herself still single at 35. Her boss secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, a matchmaking service, to find Greta her perfect match. Poppy, a former psychiatrist turned matchmaker, will write about dating for the online magazine, and Greta is to date potential suitors for these articles. Although Greta is initially negative and aware of her boss’s scheme, she doesn’t want to disappoint her.

The only positive aspect for Greta is her new friendship with Ewan, whom she meets daily at a coffee shop. As they grow closer, Greta starts to wonder if her perfect match might be right in front of her, rather than through a matchmaking service.

“The One That I Want” brings readers back to the Ever After Agency with Poppy focusing on another client. Despite Greta’s success and supportive friends and family, she struggles with self-doubt. Her best friend Tiggy, who is straightforward and hilarious, adds humor and support.

The story features funny dates, confusion, and surprising moments. Though it’s the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Returning characters, including Poppy and her relationship, make it engaging, and readers may be inspired to read the previous books due to the enjoyable narrative.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Life Begins At 50! By Celia Anderson

New friends, new flame, new fun . . . Can it be true that life begins at 50?

Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true. Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.

Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.

But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .

About The Author

My Review

As Kate’s fiftieth birthday approaches, she feels her life lacks vibrancy, symbolized by her predominantly indigo wardrobe. Reflecting on her past, she recalls her unfulfilled desire for a family, her father’s sudden death, her mother’s move to France, her husband’s departure, and a haunting impulsive act. Despite these challenges, Kate decides to look forward and make changes, supported by her friends: Sophie, who encourages her with humor, and the “Saga Louts,” three elderly ladies who include her in their fun.

Kate enjoys her job at a cafe and has meaningful connections with her god-children, especially the precocious Elsie, whose single father appreciates Kate’s support. She meets Milo, who has his own troubles, and they develop an attraction, though they’re unsure about pursuing a relationship. Their potential romance is complicated by hidden factors.

The story blends gentle humor with darker, emotional moments from Kate’s and Milo’s pasts, handled sensitively. Kate is relatable, and her efforts to step outside her comfort zone are inspiring. The friendships and family dynamics add unexpected emotional and joyous touches. The developing romance feels genuine, and the handling of Kate’s fiftieth birthday is touching. While the ending leaves some threads hanging, it’s fitting.

This book, with its perfect emotional touch and storytelling, is highly engaging and recommended for summer reading. It’s a delightful tale of fresh starts and second chances for characters beyond their youth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – A Found Family At The Cornish Country Hospital By Jo Bartlett

A tragic loss…

Since the death of her beloved father, Isla Marlowe has felt the need to do something to honour his memory; something meaningful that will bring joy to others and repay the kindness of a stranger who changed their lives. She’s got the perfect solution, but she’s worried not everyone will understand.

A precious gift…

Aidan Kennedy and his husband, Jase, are desperate to start a family of their own, but finding the right woman to help them is difficult and some people don’t think they should even try. So when Isla offers them the chance to fulfil their dream, they can’t believe their wish is about to come true.

A family made of friends?

But when Isla is forced to face her greatest fear, Aidan and Jase’s dream has to be put on hold. Broken-hearted and questioning everything she once believed, Isla desperately needs someone to share her problems with but has no idea where to turn.

But then, in her darkest hour she discovers that friends can be the family you choose for yourself.

About The Author

My Review

This is another great story that goes beyond just a romance (though there is a bit of that too). The perspective of the egg donor in an IVF story was really interesting. Isla’s reasoning is well thought-out and makes perfect sense. I appreciated the extensive discussions between Isla & Aidan and Aidan & Jase about the egg donation; it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision for anyone, and even more discussions occurred when Isla’s health took a turn. I just wish Aidan had been upfront about his thoughts and that Isla could have approached him when she sensed he was having second thoughts. One simple conversation could have prevented a lot of stress for both of them. 

It was wonderful to learn more about Aidan, who we’ve met as a supporting character in previous books. I enjoyed discovering what was beneath the surface. It was heartening that Jase’s family welcomed him (and Isla) warmly, especially since his own family was quite a letdown. I’m glad Aidan reached a point where he could be honest with his family, particularly his father, though I’m not entirely convinced by how quickly everyone came around. And while I found it hard to believe his father would show support on an online forum, I’m happy for Aidan because he deserved family involvement in his life, so I can overlook that. 

The romance for Isla was also really sweet. The pacing of her and Reuben’s story was perfect. There’s an immediate attraction, but their relationship develops gradually through family group chats and dinners. I’m glad she realized her mistake in pushing him away. And, as always, I love how this author naturally incorporates characters from previous books so we get updates on them without their stories overshadowing the main plot.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 17 January 2025

Something In The Air By Helen Rolfe

A surprise arrival

Working with the Whistlestop River air ambulance is Nadia’s whole world. She adores her job and the team – they’re family. But when a baby is abandoned on the steps of the base, Nadia is forced to confront events from her past she’d rather forget.

A difficult change

Hudson is trying to get his life back on track after his divorce. It’s not easy juggling his work as a patient and family liaison officer and being the primary parent for his children. He wouldn’t change it for the world. But when his teenage son’s behaviour spirals out of control, Hudson begins to wonder if he can really be there for everyone who needs him…

A chance for something special?

Nadia and Hudson have always been friends, but the arrival of baby Lena pushes them closer than ever, and as their feelings start to grow, they’ll have to decide – do they have space for love when their families need them? And could they put themselves and each other first, just this once?