February 4, 2025 – My Sanctuary

The Many Futures Of Maddy Hart By Laura Pearson

Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.

It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years from now.

She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a life that is just… wrong.

Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of what lies ahead for them is happy. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.

There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the life she’s seeing with Oliver, she realises she has to break his heart now…

Sweet Escape By Meredith Wild And Jillian Liota

After a heartbreaking betrayal, singer-songwriter Vivian Walsh needs a getaway. Her best friend Murphy’s family vineyard is the perfect refuge to focus on her new album, free from unnecessary distractions—like men. Few are more tempting than Murphy’s workaholic brother, Memphis. He’s infuriatingly handsome, and Vivian can’t resist teasing him whenever she gets the chance.

Memphis has a lot on his plate with his struggling family business. The last thing he needs in his life is a spitfire like Vivian. They have nothing in common but the heat between them. The good news is that neither of them are looking for a relationship. Just release from the pressure. One no-strings night with Vivian couldn’t hurt. Or two. Or three. Maybe a distraction is exactly what they need.

When Vivian’s life back in LA comes calling, both realize their feelings might have grown far more than they planned. They will have to decide: Is it time to say goodbye? Or can their sweet escape turn into their forever?

The road to romance begins with…one wrong turn.

Researcher Poorvi Gupta is desperate to reach her medical conference in Dublin on time to secure grant funding with her presentation. But when her flight is diverted due to bad weather, Poorvi agrees to share a rental car with a fellow passenger—a man as hot as Madras curry…and just as vexing.

Ophthalmologist Kavan Shashane is traveling to Dublin to head off a researcher whose study puts his family’s practice at risk. Until then, he’s content to ride with the enigmatic woman he met on the plane. Soon, sparks are flying like Holi colors! Their attraction is real, but will they still have eyes for each other when they discover the truth?

About The Author

My Review

Poorvi and Kavan, strangers headed to a conference, end up on a detour to help a grandma with airline communication issues. Their roundabout journey involves a meddling grandma, a growing attraction, misunderstandings, and lots of fun. “Road Trip Rivalry” by Mona Shroff adds a twist to the enemies-to-lovers trope, as Poorvi and Kavan don’t realize they’re enemies. While enemies-to-lovers isn’t my favorite, their superficial head-butting was enjoyable.

The story delves into each character’s individual struggles. Poorvi battles work challenges and undermining colleagues, while Kavan feels indebted to his brother and avoids confrontation. Their relationship brings out the best in each other, with Poorvi’s frustrations clashing with Kavan’s inherent niceness. Their bickering is delightful, and Ba, the grandma, ensures they realize their compatibility. This book is a perfect summer read, though enjoyable any time of the year.

My Rating