“A book is a dream that you hold in your hands”
Always By Helen Hardt
Take his breath away…
Braden and Skye have an electric connection that gets stronger with every boundary and every limit they push. There’s nothing Braden won’t explore with Skye…with one exception. Only now she’s the one who’s challenging him. Because what Skye wants is the one thing Braden can’t give her. And the only way he’ll be able to keep the woman he loves is to relinquish the one thing he’s mastered above everything else: control.
Becca Burnside isn’t sure where it all went wrong…
How did she end up single in her forties, with the highlight of her weekend being a trip to Big Asda with her mum and the only chance of cuddles coming from her dog?
It’s fair to say that Becca’s life isn’t quite where she’d hoped it would be. She already knew that, deep down, but when she finds the time capsule she and her friends made as teenagers and remembers the hopes and dreams sixteen-year-old Becki (with an i) had for the future, she knows she has to do something, and fast.
Refusing to be controlled by her hot flushes and Unexplained Waves of Sadness, Becca is determined to turn things around – for Becki’s sake. But what will it take to prove there’s life in the old girl yet?
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Becky, now single with her twin boys at university, reconnects with old friends Laura and Niamh after the death of a friend’s mother. They revisit a time capsule from their youth, prompting them to rethink their lives as they approach their late forties. The book is a heartwarming celebration of female friendship, blending humor and emotion as it explores themes of divorce, parenting, aging, loss, and self-discovery. It’s a relatable and uplifting story that encourages readers to pursue their dreams, no matter their age, and to cherish the bonds that support them through life’s challenges.
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After nine years in LA, aspiring singer Murphy Hawthorne leaves behind her broken dreams to return to her family’s vineyard. But as she helps open the property’s new restaurant, she faces a family still bitter about the fact she ever left, and old wounds quickly resurface. The only refreshing note is the handsome head chef, Wesley Hart.
Hired to draw more tourists to the Hawthorne vineyard, Wes is a culinary master with a reputation he wishes he could forget. Struggling with regrets and complex family dynamics of his own, he’s trying to start over, too. The biggest mistake he could make right now is to act on his attraction to his boss’s younger sister. If only he could get her out of his head…
Despite all the reasons to keep their distance, Murphy and Wes can’t deny the connection that keeps drawing them together. In each other, they find refuge and a sense of belonging neither could have imagined. But to forge a new future together, they must answer one important question: Can they face the past—and forgive it?
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Murphy returns to her small hometown after a failed music career and meets Wes, a handsome good Samaritan who later turns out to be the new head chef at her family’s restaurant. Despite trying to stay away from each other, their instant chemistry is undeniable. However, complications arise when Wes discovers Murphy is his boss’s sister, making their relationship off-limits. Both have been wounded by past relationships and are looking for second chances. The story is a delightful blend of small-town charm, forbidden romance, and character growth, with themes of family, forgiveness, and rebuilding dreams.
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After their no-strings fling in paradise, Lyric and Devon never thought they’d see each other again. Until they did. Now they have very different ideas about what the future holds…
Sometimes you just have to take the leap…
What happens in Aruba, stays in Aruba… That’s what former ballerina Lyric Taylor keeps telling herself, at least. After all, now that the curtain has closed on her ballet career, and with the search for her biological parents stalling, she could use a little distraction. So when a lodging mix-up leads to an unexpected fling in paradise with her sexy bunkmate, Devon, Lyric takes the plunge. Seven days of sun, sand and plenty of sizzle—and when it’s time to go home, their no-strings sitch will come to an end… Right?
Single dad Devon Masters spent the last eight years shielding his daughter, Kianna, from life’s disappointments—and he’s gotten pretty good at cutting pain off at the pass. But nothing can prepare him for this latest bombshell: discovering Lyric Taylor is Kianna’s new dance teacher. What happened in Aruba seems to have followed them home, but they’ll have to keep it under wraps for as long as they can. Soon, however, new feelings take hold and old wounds resurface. Will they finally find the rhythm they need to redefine what belonging truly means?
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Lyric Taylor, a former ballerina, seeks solace in Aruba and begins a passionate fling with Devon Masters, a charming man she meets during her stay. Upon returning home, Lyric discovers that Devon is the father of her new dance student, complicating their lives. As they navigate their deepening emotions and personal histories, they must redefine their paths and what home truly means. This book delivers a heartwarming, swoon-worthy story with relatable characters and a seamless, captivating narrative that leaves readers with a smile.
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He never meant to be a father.
But it could be the life he’s always wanted.
In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind?
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Kirsten and Brady, once in love, separated when Brady revealed he didn’t want kids. Unbeknownst to Brady, Kirsten was pregnant with twins. Years later, they reunite in Hope Springs, each harboring secrets. Brady’s reluctance stemmed from a fear of passing on a medical condition, while Kirsten kept her pregnancy hidden. As they navigate their rekindled relationship, they must overcome past fears, trust in each other, and embrace their faith for a second chance at love and family. The story beautifully explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and faith.
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Finding Home In Hartfell By Suzanne Snow
Heart and humour abound in Hartfell, as the village welcomes new guests and romance…
The eldest of five siblings and mother of teenage Harriet, Pippa is the glue that holds the family together. When her father, rock legend Jonny Jones, asks her to ‘sort out’ an old family home in Hartfell, the last thing she wants is to spend hers and Harriet’s summer holiday in the Yorkshire Dales.
Surprises lie in wait – the house has a tenant, local vet Gil, who does not want to leave. Even as sparks fly with the handsome vet, tensions rise when Pippa’s plans put his practice and the village fete under threat.
Can she turn the fete into a success and win back the villagers’ approval? And will Pippa unstick herself from her demanding family enough to go after what she needs?
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 back in love with the everyday rhythms of their family shop and Irish life. Is this the tonic she needs to mend a broken heart?
Single and with mid-life looming her mother Ciara is consumed with running the family deli and 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 all small-towns have their fair share of secrets and ultimately 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?
RESISTING HER OFF-LIMITS PROTECTOR…
Independent and strong-willed Anisa is furious. Her estranged brother has hired a bodyguard to follow her all the way to Madagascar, supposedly to protect her from hidden enemies! But as their eyes lock, she can’t deny it would be easy to fall for the gorgeous stranger. Clearly Nasser feels the same, yet he’s grappling with guilt from a painful past. Anisa knows they mustn’t give in to their forbidden attraction…only their connection is too powerful to ignore!
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This is a captivating romance novel that combines passion, intrigue, and emotional depth. The story centers around Layla, a strong, independent woman facing unexpected dangers, and her bodyguard, Zahir, who is determined to protect her at all costs. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Zahir is strictly off-limits, leading to a thrilling and tension-filled dynamic that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Layla is portrayed as a resilient woman, but also one who struggles with her vulnerabilities, making her a well-rounded and believable protagonist. Zahir, on the other hand, is a classic hero—strong, loyal, and deeply conflicted by his growing feelings for Layla. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their forbidden attraction adds a layer of intensity to the narrative.
The plot is well-paced, with a mix of romance, suspense, and drama. The tension between Layla and Zahir builds steadily, leading to a satisfying and emotionally charged climax. The author also skillfully weaves in elements of family loyalty, cultural expectations, and personal honor, which add depth to the storyline and make the characters’ struggles more relatable. One of the standout aspects of the book is its setting, which is vividly described and adds a rich backdrop to the romance. The cultural nuances and societal pressures faced by the characters are handled with sensitivity and provide an additional layer of conflict to the story.
This is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of intense, emotion-driven romances. Hana Sheik has crafted a story that, while rooted in familiar tropes, offers enough depth and character development to keep readers invested until the very end. If you enjoy a romance with strong characters, cultural richness, and a dash of suspense, this book is worth picking up.
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They’re enemies for life…
Or for as long as it takes to fall in love
Executive assistant and ex-cowgirl Violet Blackwell knows her boss’s nephew, Garrett McCoy, is the life of the party—and the charming thorn in her side! But when they’re forced to share a ranch house together, she proves she’s not the “buzzkill” he thought she was. In fact, they’re starting to become more than friends. Only, McCoy’s hiding a secret agenda. Will it throw Violet off cowboys…for good?
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Violet and her sisters were once part of a trick riding group led by their mother and aunt. After a near-fatal accident, they went their separate ways. Violet now works as an executive assistant at McCoy Oilfield Services, determined to prove her worth with her rigid and detail-oriented nature. Garrett McCoy, the owner’s free-spirited nephew, prefers ranch life over oil fields but occasionally helps his uncle with new projects. Despite their constant head-butting, there has always been an underlying attraction between them.
With Violet’s mother dating her boss and Garrett moving to the farm where Violet lives to help with livestock, they can no longer ignore their spark. As ulterior motives and outside influences threaten their budding relationship, they must decide if love is worth fighting for. This sweet, charming story highlights that appearances can be deceiving and that family will always be there to love and support you.
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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?
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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.
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