January 2025 – Page 6

Review Card & Book Review – Finding You By Amy Clipston

Both of them want a relationship–but is beginning it a big mistake?

On the outside, twenty-seven-year-old Darcy Larsen is a pretty, put-together professional–but inside she’s falling apart. Eighteen months ago, she lost her fiancé in an accident she still blames herself for. After a successful transplant, her kidney disease seems to be in check, but she worries that her future children–ifshe has any–will also suffer from the same condition. And she’s overcome with indecision about finding her birth mother, discovering potentially devastating information, and hurting her adoptive parents.

Mechanic Carter Donovan seems to have everything going for him at first glance–stunning good looks . . . a wicked sense of humor . . . and a heart of gold. But Carter’s seemingly perfect exterior hides a host of secrets. After a rough breakup and mounting bills from a medical emergency that left him drowning in debt, he doesn’t feel like the catch everyone says he is. Plus, he’s about to turn thirty–with no romantic prospects on the horizon.

When Darcy’s Lexus breaks down in her doctor’s parking lot, Carter appears on the scene to try to jump-start her car–and her heart. But despite their immediate connection, the two have perhaps too many obstacles to overcome. Carter questions if getting involved with Darcy will be his next big mistake. And Darcy wonders if she can ever move past her grief and guilt to embrace the gift of Happily Ever After that’s dangling in front of her.

About The Author

My Review

This is an uplifting contemporary romance about second chances at love. Eighteen months after Darcy Larsen’s fiancé, Jace, died in a car accident, she is still struggling with grief and guilt. Carter Donovan, who recently had a life-saving kidney transplant, rescues Darcy when her car breaks down, leading to an unexpected romance. As they grow closer, they discover that Carter’s transplant has a surprising connection to Jace, threatening their budding relationship. Despite its predictable elements, it is a good read , relatable characters, and heartfelt exploration of themes like love, loss, and organ donation.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – The Sawmill Book Club By Carolyn Brown

Unsure of the future but ready for risks, Libby O’Dell trades big-city life for whatever the back roads hold. In this case it’s the small community of Sawmill, Texas, where Libby’s taken a temporary job putting an antique store in order. Her new boss, Benny Taylor, a handsome charmer with a three-legged dog named Elvis, isn’t a bad change of scenery, either.

Across the street Benny’s surrogate grandmothers—the widows Minilee and Opal—are ready with homemade corn bread, sweet tea, and an invitation for Libby to join their book club. Even if it is mostly a gathering for local gossip and meddling. The ladies’ main agenda: find Benny a wife. Except Benny’s not looking, and Libby’s only passing through until she decides what direction she’s headed next.

Truth is, Sawmill is starting to feel pretty nice. Benny, even nicer. Time will tell if this meantime job in a stopover town is just what Libby’s been looking for—and where she belongs.

About The Author

My Review

It follows Libby, a young woman who takes a job at Benny’s antique store to find herself. Benny, having inherited the store from his grandfather, aims to revitalize the business. Libby bonds with two widows, Benny’s surrogate grandmothers, who form the Sawmill Book Club, which is more about gossip than books. While the title drew interest, the book club aspect is minor. The story is somewhat repetitive with a predictable ending and lacks plot twists, but Brown’s warm writing captures small-town life with humor and heart. “The Sawmill Book Club” by Carolyn Brown is a cozy, feel-good novel set in the small town of Sawmill, Texas.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 7 January 2025

Beg, Borrow Or Steal By Sarah Adam

Maybe it’s time for a plot twist . . .

Emily Walker hates anyone disrupting her carefully curated life, especially her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett – the exact opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer. But now Jack’s back in town after a failed engagement and he’s here to stay . . . as both her colleague and her neighbour.

Jack is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. Until, that is, he realises he’s now neighbours with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons.

With their red-hot animosity at an all-time high, Emily makes a mistake that could reveal her secret literary identity. Frustratingly, she needs Jack’s help to make it right. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?

Review Card & Book Review – The Grouchy One By Leslie North

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But the guy that sells those diamonds? My worst enemy.

It took me precisely 0.1 seconds to start hating Cameron O’Connor. I’m late to a job interview and it seems like kismet when a cab stops outside my apartment. Until the grumpiest, grouchiest, and most outrageously handsome suit-hole steals it. Of course, I get to my interview and who is behind the desk? “You’re late. Couldn’t find a cab?” This infuriatingly beautiful man makes my blood boil. So I’m completely justified when I tell him all the ways his company is messing up their current PR disaster. I wouldn’t touch this job—or the brutally chiseled bossbeast—with a ten-foot pole.

Until he offers me a number with more zeros than a box of donuts. Now I’m working alongside the bosszilla. Trying to keep the snark level to somewhere between brazen defiance and outright mutiny. If only he hadn’t hired that influencer to promote the company’s engagement rings. And if only she hadn’t announced that Cameron and I were hiding a secret romance. Now suddenly, our relationship is all anyone can talk about. Except there’s zero romance—we hate each other. To sell the story, we have to go on fake dates and fake being in love. Only at some point, I don’t have to pretend anymore. And I start thinking Cameron isn’t faking either. There’s no way I’m falling for my bosshole. Right?

About The Author

My Review

Felicity and Cameron’s story begins with a confrontation over a cab, leading to Felicity getting the ride after Cameron forgets his wallet. Felicity is on her way to a crucial job interview at Veritigue, where she impresses everyone but is delayed for her final interview with the CEO, Cameron, who turns out to be the man she clashed with earlier. Despite the tension, Cameron offers her the job, but she initially declines. Cameron, dealing with his company’s troubles and a friend’s personal issues, sees potential in Felicity’s ideas and eventually convinces her to join with a lucrative offer. Felicity proposes a PR campaign involving an influencer, Lucy Dubois, which leads to a misunderstanding about a fake engagement. This causes a fallout between Felicity and Cameron, impacting both their relationship and the company’s fortunes. Felicity, heartbroken, decides to leave, prompting questions about whether Cameron will realize his feelings for her and if she’ll give him another chance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Happy Publication Day – 6 January 2025

A Love Like No Other By Kate Frost

Four women struggle with their life choices and the hand fate has dealt them…

All Pippa Green has ever wanted is marriage and kids, but at thirty-four and about to embark on IVF, her dream of having a family is far from certain.

Pippa’s younger sister Georgie has the opposite problem, juggling her career, her lover, a young daughter and a husband who wants baby number two. She seems to have it all. But does she?

Carefree Sienna, Pippa’s best friend, is happy travelling the world with her successful career in film, however, long term boyfriend Ashton is desperate for Sienna to commit to their future. When mother nature has a surprise, will it make or break them?

Happily married Connie shares her fertility journey with Pippa, but while their blossoming friendship is cemented through the highs and lows of shared experiences, Connie underestimates the impact being unable to conceive will have on her and her marriage.

As their lives collide in a way they could never have predicted, will any of them find lasting happiness?

If We Could Turn Back Time By Sian O’Gorman

Three generations; Two families; One secret.

After another relationship disaster Alice Littleton returns home to spend summer in Dublin’s Sandycove with her Mum, Ciara and beloved grandmother Eva at their family deli and grocers.

As Alice settles back into her old life with best friend Becca and her new boyfriend Conal Blake, she begins to fall in love with the comings and goings of their family shop and once more enjoying the rhythms of Irish life.

Meanwhile her mother Ciara, is consumed with running the family deli. Single and with mid-life looming, she feels life is passing her by until best friend Mary-Marg suggests they restart the disco they used to run as teenagers. Could this be what Sandycove’s millennials need or will there be murder on the dancefloor?

But it seems that all small-towns have their fair share of secrets and the past will always catch up with you.

Why does Conal’s grandmother insist on meeting Alice and what happened between her and Eva?

And why hasn’t Ciara spoken to Conal’s father, Paddy, for thirty years?

Is it time for the truth to be told so they can change their future?

Review Card & Book Review – Captive By Bella Ash

Two ruthless brothers. Two stubborn captives. One deadly world.

VICIOUS HEIR

Angel Castillo is ruthless, reigning over his brutal world where disobedience means death. Forced into his cold offer: become his wife or die, I try to escape, but his claws are buried deep. Trapped in a golden prison, I hate him yet crave his touch. He sees me like no one else, and despite knowing he’ll ruin me, I want it.

BRUTAL ENFORCER

Men have always controlled me, first my ruthless father, then my fiancé, and now Omar Castillo, the brutal enforcer. Known as The Beast, he’s locked me up, threatening my life and craving my blood. Despite my filthy thoughts about him, I must escape. Everyone underestimates me, seeing only a pawn. But I’ll burn this island down before I give in.

About The Author

My Review

**Vicious Heir (Book 1)** centers on Emma Hudson and Angel Castillo. Emma, working for South Beach Deliveries, saves Angel from being shot at Club Eliseo, leading to a life debt. To protect her, Angel’s father, Gustavo Castillo, orders them to marry. Despite initial reluctance, Emma and Angel develop strong feelings for each other amidst a backdrop of action, secrets, and passion. Emma becomes pregnant and contemplates leaving, leading to tension and misunderstandings with Angel.

**Brutal Enforcer (Book 2)** follows Omar Castillo, the enforcer of the Castillo family, and Lyse Rojas. After Angel is attacked, Omar kidnaps Lyse during her engagement party, seeking revenge against her family. Despite initial hostility, Omar and Lyse develop a complex relationship. As they navigate their feelings, they face family conflicts and potential war.

Both books are filled with action, betrayal, and romance, captivating readers with their intense and dramatic storylines. The series hints at future stories involving other characters, maintaining anticipation for more installments.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – Body Check By Elle Kennedy

After a childhood spent being dragged around the country by her hockey coach father, Hayden Houston intends to take some time to figure out her future. Whether that future will include her currently off-again boyfriend remains to be seen. What it certainly won’t include is the for-one-night-only guy she just met at a bar.

It seems hockey star Brody Croft did not get the memo about being temporary. Big, bold and driven, he’s dedicated in everything he does. Up till now, that’s been his team—the one owned by Hayden’s dad. But his night with Hayden has sparked something he didn’t expect. The two of them are good together. Really good. There’s a connection he’s never experienced before, one he knows they’d be wrong to ignore. Even with a game-fixing scandal testing both their loyalties—to teammates, to friends…to family.

Part of Hayden wants to turn tail and run. A complicated relationship with a bad boy hockey player is exactly what she never wanted. But when it comes to Brody, Hayden is realizing that people can be so much more than what they seem.

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Hayden Houston, an art history professor at UC-Berkeley, who returns to Chicago to support her father during his contentious divorce. While in town, Hayden meets her friend at a bar and plans to have a one-night stand. She ends up hitting on Brody Croft, a pro hockey player who is not used to women interested in him rather than his fame. Hayden leaves without a trace, wanting to keep it a one-night affair.

Unexpectedly, they meet again when it’s revealed that Hayden’s father owns the hockey team Brody plays for. The romance between Hayden and Brody develops with Brody valuing Hayden’s intellect and Hayden appreciating Brody’s straightforwardness, a contrast to her dull art historian boyfriend back home. Despite her initial reluctance due to her childhood experiences with her hockey coach father, Hayden eventually realizes she needs more in a relationship than what she thought she wanted.

The story also includes a subplot where Hayden’s father is accused of game-fixing, adding tension to the narrative. Despite these challenges, the story concludes with Hayden overcoming her fears and giving Brody, who seeks a serious relationship, a real chance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – A Secret Cornish Wish By Ali McNamara

What if one summer could change your life?

For Frankie and her five best friends growing up on the glorious beaches of Cornwall’s St Felix, life couldn’t get any better. Late one night, the friends discover an old box washed up on the shores and they learn the tale of the St Felix mermaid who grants wishes to those who find her treasure. Even though they know it’s just Cornish folkore, the friends decide to make a wish for what they each want out of life – most importantly, they want to always be together . . .

Over the course of the next few decades, as weddings, funerals, birthdays and more bring the friends back together, lost loves, broken promises and buried secrets just as quickly tear them apart. But when they reunite one last time in St Felix, will it be for good? And will their wishes finally be revealed?

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Frankie and her five best friends, who discover a box with a tale of a wish-granting mermaid on the beaches of St Felix, Cornwall. They make wishes for their futures, hoping to stay together. Over the decades, life events bring them together and tear them apart, culminating in a final reunion where their wishes are revealed. The narrative spans from their teenage years into their 50s, revisiting them every ten years. Known as the Misfit Mermaids, their story is filled with magic, mystery, strong relationships, and life lessons. The book balances happiness and sadness, offering a magical and emotional journey with lovely characters and a beautiful setting.

My Rating

Review Book & Book Review- It Started With A Book By Camilla Isley

Sometimes, life is stranger than fiction…

When she’s ghosted by yet another Tinder match, Leighton swears off dating for life. Who needs apps and blind dates when she has the perfect-in-every-way (apart from being fictional) heroes of her beloved romance novels?

That night, Leigh finds a second-hand book on her TBR pile that transports her to the small-town of Lakeville Hills, where the heroines wear shorty-shorts and the men drink bourbon. And as Leigh drifts off to sleep, she dreams of billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, who could win a gold medal for smouldering and bicep flexing.

For a while, Leigh finds it easier to stomach misogynistic supervisors, newly coupled friends, and extravagant bridesmaid duties knowing she can return to Lakeville Hills each evening. Until one day she wakes up to find she’s brought a bit of Lakeville Hills back with her: the impossibly sexy and entirely implausible Killian St Clair is in her apartment.

Now Leigh must help Killian navigate the real world. But as she gets to know the man behind the trope, can she keep her heart safe, or does she risk falling in love with her book boyfriend in real life?

About The Author

My Review

Leighton, frustrated with her mundane life and tired of being ghosted on Tinder, swears off dating and escapes into her fantasy world. She discovers a magical book that allows her to travel to Lakeville Hills, a quaint community she visits every evening. One day, she inadvertently brings Killian, a character from Lakeville Hills, into her real life.

Leighton is a relatable and grounded heroine, dealing with loneliness amid her friends’ marriages. Her cynicism, snark, and humor make her interactions with Killian highly anticipated. Killian is the perfect bookworm’s dream: a sweet and handsome fictional boyfriend.

This book explores the intriguing idea of a fictional boyfriend appearing in the real world. It’s a captivating read, filled with the best romance tropes and clichés. The story is short, delightful, and perfect for romance fans. Highly recommended!

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – Meet Me In Ivy Falls By Amy True

Welcome to Ivy Falls

In the gorgeous small town of Ivy Falls, Torran is putting all her passion into building her new career in house restoration, trying desperately to help the town keep its identity and charm. She has no time for love but when her childhood sweetheart, Beck, comes back to town and outbids her on her dream house at auction, sparks fly. This man broke her heart. Can she ever trust him again?

For Beck, Ivy Falls means trauma and loss. He knows his sudden departure hurt Torran badly but there are things she doesn’t know. He never intended to return to Ivy Falls so why is he there, bidding on his childhood home? His feelings for Torran are as strong as ever but Torran means Ivy Falls and Beck can’t go back there. Can he find a way to heal his past and find his future?

About The Author

My Review

Torran Wright’s life is in turmoil with her contracting business failing and her hopes of an HGTV show dashed by a viral accident. She plans to restore a historic home to turn things around, only to be outbid by her old high school boyfriend, Beck Townsend, who has returned to Ivy Falls after ten years. Beck aims to resolve old memories but didn’t expect to compete with Torran for the same house. After an accident reveals his lack of DIY skills, Torran agrees to help him. As they work together, their chemistry reignites, transforming their professional relationship into something more. They must confront their pasts and secrets to mend their relationship.

Initially, the book starts slow but quickly picks up pace, effectively depicting Torran and Beck’s rekindled desire. Their attempts to resolve past issues are compelling, though not smooth, creating tension and anticipation. The dual POV narrative helps understand their thoughts and actions. The characters develop well throughout the story, making it a sweet and engaging second chance romance, even hinting at a third chance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Kobo