April 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Fa-La-La-La Faking It By Teri Wilson

It’s beginning to look a lot like kiss…er…Christmas!

Matchmaking services as a Christmas gift? No thank you! It’s bad enough that, to save her grandmother’s feelings, Adaline Bishop fibs and says she’s seeing someone. It’s worse when Jace Martin, her grade school crush turned nemesis, volunteers that he’s the someone. Now Adaline will have to fake it until Jace’s flannel-shirted, piney-scented goodness leaves town in a couple of weeks.

Jace would like to make up for his past transgressions and for his elderly uncle’s meaner-than-the-grinch behavior during Adaline’s therapy dog visits. In the spirit of peace and goodwill toward all, Jace will happily be her fake boyfriend. It’s just that what began as a lie as big as Texas is starting to feel like the magic of a Christmas wish come true.

About The Author

My Review

Adaline Bishop, who loves baking and training therapy dogs, often visits her grandmother at a senior center and tries to cheer up the grumpy Mr. Martin. When Jace Martin returns to town to care for his dying uncle, Adaline is reminded of how he embarrassed her in fifth grade. Despite their past, she reluctantly asks Jace to be her fake boyfriend for her brother’s wedding.

Set during the Christmas season, this romance blends the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes, with therapy dogs adding charm to the story. Adaline’s vibrant personality and her bond with her grandmother, along with Jace’s redemption, make for a fun and heartwarming read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Doctor Off Limits By Alison Roberts

What Happens on the Night Shift…

Helicopter paramedic Tama James isn’t afraid of hard work, danger or putting his patients first. And he expects nothing less from his team. But when his newest recruit arrives, the bubbly and beautiful Mikayla Elliot, he’s unimpressed to discover she didn’t earn her place. She’s the superior’s daughter. So, he’ll make it is mission to show her just how tough the job really is!

However, Qualified doctor Mikayla is determined to prove everyone wrong. Starting with Tama whose smile is irresistible and infuriatingly arrogant! But neither expected the added distraction of the chemistry catching fire between them. Can they ignore it long enough to keep things professional?

About The Author

My Review

Helicopter paramedic Tama James is tough, fearless, and dedicated to his patients. When he’s assigned to train Mikayla Elliot, the daughter of his superior, he’s skeptical, thinking she got the role through connections. Determined to make the process difficult for her, he soon realizes she’s just like him—hardworking, fearless, and committed to her patients. Plus, she’s an actual doctor. Their similarities lead to a deeper connection as they work together, facing challenges that reveal more about themselves.

During a call to rescue a 15-year-old boy stranded on an unstable cliff, Mikayla repels down, leaving Tama in the helicopter. What unfolds is a moment where their lives intersect in unexpected ways, with shared experiences that bring them closer. Without giving away spoilers, the story shows how life’s circumstances can draw people together, helping them confront and process what they’ve been avoiding. The depth and emotional layers of the story are far more profound than expected, and Alison Roberts masterfully tells this tale of connection and healing.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 29 April 2025

The Sheriff Next Door By Julia Ruth

Can a temporary game of pretend…

Turn into lasting love?

Looking for a fresh start, widowed sheriff Dax Adams arrives in town—only to be confounded by his new neighbor, veterinarian Violet Spencer. When his family mistakes her for his girlfriend, he begs her to play along to convince them he’s open to new beginnings. And though he and Violet don’t initially see eye to eye, she agrees—if only to get her well-meaning sisters to stop matchmaking. But as they grow closer, it’s clear that even these two reluctant hearts can’t stop a fake relationship from turning into something real…

Their Surprise Reunion By Shelley Shepard Gray

Friendship can turn to more…

When you least expect it!

Kayla Harding knew she’d reached rock bottom when she forced herself to walk through the front doors of Loaves of Love, the food bank in Medina, Ohio, one Saturday morning. Happily, what she finds there is a loving community of people who offer her not just food, but friendship and hope. She also finds Sean Copeland, a former crush, father to six-year-old Jackson and small-town football coach, who volunteers at the food bank. But Kayla is still reeling from her divorce, and Sean is a recent widower. Can they find it in their hearts to fall in love again?

A Summer To Start Over By Sera Taino

She needed help…

He needed to begin again.

Single mom Indya Linares has always been Ms. Independent—especially when her family’s hurricane-ravaged resort is at stake. But when Indya’s boat breaks down at sea, she’s forced to accept help from a handsome stranger who immediately makes her heart beat faster. Who would have imagined that he’s also her stubborn mother’s pick for a new facilities manager extraordinaire? After Santiago Pereira left Venezuela to begin again in Soledad Bay, he’s got something to prove to his family…and a mission to bring his daughter back to him. But when Santi just can’t stop thinking about his new boss, will hospitality take on a new meaning for them both?

How To Win Back A Royal By Justine Lewis

STEP ONE? A HEADLINE-MAKING REUNION!

Rowan’s romance with Princess Isabella came to a crashing halt when he was forced to end their engagement. Now a self-made billionaire, he’s handed a second chance at happily-ever-after…when he spots her sneaking out of an exclusive party—right into the paparazzi’s view! To prevent their photo causing a worldwide scandal, they must work together to avoid it being released. Quickly, they’re reminded of all the reasons they never stopped loving each other. But will they also be reminded of why she shouldn’t wear his ring again?

Summer On Cape May By Monica Garner

Fast friends since forever, Lu, Kenya, and Natalia share a special love for the historical beach town of Cape May. For Lu, it was a welcome escape from the corporate arena into a simpler life—owning a B&B with her soon-to-be-husband, Zach. . . . Kenya fell for Cape May’s tranquil shores and believed she and her high school sweetheart would be there together forever. . . . And family vineyard owner Natalia feels it’s the perfect place to complete her happy marriage with the baby—or babies—she desperately longs for . . .

But as the trio plans Lu’s lavish wedding, the bride-to-be is stunned when the estranged father she thought was dead shows up to make amends—and throws her every certainty about family and love into heartbreaking doubt. Meanwhile, widowed Kenya is drawn to a kind, attractive stranger, even as she wonders if passion is enough to risk her future on. And when Natalia uncovers an unthinkable betrayal, the secrets she and her friends have kept from each other will explode across the long summer nights . . .

Personal Security By Lisa Childs

He’ll risk anything to protect her…

Even his heart.

Watching over Blair Etheridge as she reopens her family’s art gallery is Ivan Chekov’s first chance to prove himself as a bodyguard. He hopes it’s also a chance to start over. But this job brings up bad memories, and Blair doesn’t want him anywhere near her. Ivan overcomes her stubborn streak after an attack on her life proves she’s in danger. The undeniable attraction sizzling between them makes posing as her boyfriend easy, while the thought of losing her frightens him more than he’s willing to admit.

Royal Bride Demand By LaQuette

His marriage decree…
comes with a crown!

To take over the throne from his ailing father, Prince Jasiri Adébísí needs a bride, fast. The plan? Marry Reigna Devereaux, the woman who got away. The hitch? She has no clue he’s heir to the island kingdom of Nyeusi…

Reigna doesn’t know what’s more astonishing, Jasiri’s royal secret or his wedding demand. But when he offers Reigna her beloved childhood home, she doesn’t hesitate to say “I do.” She still doesn’t feel ready to relinquish her hard-won independence…yet as Jasiri’s chosen queen, there’s nothing to stop her from surrendering to their scorching chemistry!

The Lightkeeper’s Curse By Cassie Miles

With the darkness closing in around them

They’ll risk everything to bring a killer to light

Rookie FBI agent Skylar Gambel and police detective Jake Armstrong both had their lives shaped by the Lightkeeper Murders. Now, twenty years later, a new serial killer called the Shadowkeeper has emerged from foggy obscurity. Are the deaths the work of a new murderer, simply an evolved one…or a curse? Skylar is determined to crack the case, even as she fights her hidden phobias and her attraction to Jake. But when she is kidnapped along with the killer’s next victim, Jake vows to silence the violent slayer once and for all.

Lilac Time By Fern Michaels

SWEET AS HONEY * Fern Michaels
Natalie is through with pining over her ex. If only her efforts to be social again didn’t lead to repeated run-ins with an infuriating beekeeper at the local farmer’s market. Yet Garrett keeps buzzing around. And as Natalie watches his patience and dedication in tending his hives, she begins to wonder if life has a sweet surprise in store.

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED * Lori Foster
Annabeth can see that her neighbor’s handsome nephew, Devlin, has his hands full, raising his little girl single-handed. Yet though his life is frazzled, it’s full of the kind of joy and togetherness she longs for. And when Devlin’s daughter and Annabeth’s tiny dog fall hard for each other, it might be the start of more than one beautiful friendship.

THE MEMORY CABIN * Carolyn Brown
Jenna Stewart loves gathering at her Texas lakeside cabin with her girlfriends. It’s an annual tradition to reconnect with the women who helped her deal with her mother’s passing along with the end of her marriage. But this year, lives are changing, dreams are evolving. And perhaps Jenna’s heart has healed enough to welcome a new love that arrives with the first flowers of spring . . .

Midwife’s Three-Date Rule By Alison Roberts

NO STRINGS UNTIL…

Midwife Pippa has sworn off romance. She tried the marriage-and-children path once, and it was devastating. So she’s stunned by the ferocity of her attraction to the head of department, Lachlan! And as they bond over their mutual avoidance of commitment, the flames between them only burn brighter. Giving birth to the “three-date rule”! Three dates, no expectations—then they return to being friends and coworkers. But you know what they say about best-laid plans… Because it’s soon clear that Pippa and Lachlan’s chemistry threatens to tempt them into breaking their relationship rules…

Shooting Stars Over The Highlands By Lisa Hobman

What would you wish for if you had one chance?

Esme Cassidy had two dreams growing up: to be a famous film star, and to own Drumblair Castle.

Sadly, overly cautious parents put paid to a career in front of the camera, instead encouraging her to study towards a ‘proper job’, and Lady Olivia MacBain is the current custodian of ‘her castle’.

After graduating and a year travelling, Esme returns home broken-hearted and throws herself into her new role as Lady Olivia’s PA at Drumblair Castle. It’s not quite her original dream but at least she’s living at the castle in one of the estate cottages with her housemate and friend, handsome, yet quirky, groundsman Judd.

With the news that the castle will be used as a film set for a period movie, Esme gets to witness first-hand the career she missed out on. And with her teenage crush in the starring role, she can’t believe her luck. But he wouldn’t be interested in a girl like her, surely?

Out Of The Blue By Jenny Hale

High school guidance counselor Nora Jenkins has her hands full. Her new student, Ivy Ryman, has been wreaking havoc at Oakland High and has occupied all of Nora’s work hours. With his busy schedule, music producer Blaze Rymancan’t get a handle on his daughter. But Nora has a soft spot for the girl who’s lost her mother and is now living with her mega-famous father.

When summer break finally arrives, Nora packs up and heads for the turquoise Gulf Coast to soak in the sparkling surf and sip on cocktails until she falls asleep, wrapped in sunlight on the warm beach.

She’s just about to get her wish. Until Ivy and her father unexpectedly show up at her beachfront doorstep.

Royal Rebel By Holly Kerr

There’s always been a connection between Spencer and Princess Lyra. Everyone expects Spencer Laz to eventually win the heart of Princess Lyra, the only daughter of the king of Laandia.
Spencer is best friends with the four princes. His father is the right-hand man to the king. He’s been a part of the family his whole life, patiently waiting for his HEA with Lyra.

Only now, a new love has him confused if Lyra is really the one he’s meant to be with.

When Lyra discovers Spencer has found someone else, she overreacts and signs up to be the next Suitorette on a reality dating show, ready and eager to pick one of twenty-five men to be her Prince Charming.

Hope may be lost for Spencer and Lyra unless Spencer finally decides it’s time to make a bold move to win the heart of the royal rebel.

Review Card & Book Review – Book Of The Month By Jennifer Probst

She’s desperate for another bestseller… and she’ll go to any length to get it. Even if it means sacrificing her pride to chase the hottest bachelor in town and get him to break her heart…

Once the literary world’s golden girl, Aspen Lourde can’t seem to produce another successful book, and the pressure’s on to prove she’s not just a one-hit-wonder. But there’s a catch: her bestseller was a heartbreak hit, straight from her own love life disaster. Without any fresh romantic turmoil to fuel her pen, Aspen needs inspiration quick enough to create a book her agent can sell to her publisher. So she escapes for the summer to the Outer Banks with a plan to live a story worth writing.

Brick Babel is a romance novelist’s dream: a local heartthrob with a reputation as wild as the horses running free in the town. He’s everything Aspen needs for a muse kickstart—gorgeous, moody, and notoriously unattainable. His affairs are legendary in the small town, and every woman warns her off, including her sister.

Too bad a good heartbreak is exactly what she needs to meet her deadline.

But Brick refuses to play the game, rejecting all of her advances. When Aspen hears his tour company is on the verge of bankruptcy, she offers him a deal: fake a whirlwind summer romance, then ditch her, drama guaranteed.

Desperate to save his grandfather’s business, Brick agrees to the ridiculous deal. What starts as a contractual fling spirals out of control as lines blur and real feelings emerge. Brick’s falling hard, and Aspen’s rethinking her plot twist. The novel might be her ticket back to the top, but at what cost?

Because Aspen’s finally found her muse, but some stories may be too true to share.

About The Author

My Review

Aspen Lourde is desperate to write another bestseller, but without any new romantic drama, she’s struggling. To spark inspiration, she heads to the Outer Banks for the summer with a plan to get her heart broken by local heartthrob Brick Babel, known for his wild reputation. However, Brick isn’t interested in playing along, until Aspen offers a deal: fake a whirlwind summer romance to help her write, and in return, she’ll help him save his failing tour company. Though it starts as a fake relationship, real feelings develop, complicating the plan.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this romance novel delivers steamy chemistry, especially with Brick’s take-charge attitude. The vivid setting and engaging secondary characters add depth, making the story even more enjoyable. If you love fake dating, bad-boy romances, and small-town settings, this book is a must-read. The evolving romance between Aspen’s sister and Brick’s best friend also sets up an exciting potential sequel. Overall, it’s an entertaining and spicy read!

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 28 April 2025

Beneath Greek Skies By Carol Mason

Can a tragic heartbreak give way to a hopeful future?

When thirty-two-year-old Catelyn’s husband dies suddenly, she descends into a spiral of grief, until an unexpected plane ticket forces her out of the dark place she has found herself in. As she is catapulted into the bright Greek sunlight, she remembers a promise her late husband made: ‘If I die, I’ll send you someone to love’.

Catelyn imagines she’ll find peace and serenity amidst the whitewashed Greek tavernas of Zante and the sparkling blue sea. But when a handsome, mysterious stranger crosses her path, she gets more than she’d bargained for. Taken with the island’s charm – and her intriguing new admirer – Catelyn wonders: could her husband’s promise be coming true?

Could a summer in Greece be the fresh start she needs? Or might she even learn to laugh and love again?

A Greek Island Gift By Mandy Baggot

An unexpected gift… A home in paradise?

When Molly Adams finds out she’s inherited an apartment in Kassiopi, Corfu, she’s left thinking there must be some mistake. She doesn’t know anyone in Greece at all.

But when she arrives there’s a shock. Molly hasn’t inherited a whole apartment, it’s only 50%. But there’s more – she’s also inherited 50% of a boat, 50% of an olive tree and… 25% of a cat.

Christos Baros is coming home to Corfu for the summer. A self-made entrepreneur, owning three gyms in Athens, he has no need for half an apartment, half a boat, half an olive tree or a quarter of a cat, but he knows these things are important to his mother.

Molly and Christos’s worlds collide in a whirlwind and the irresistible charm of the Greek island draws them even closer together. But as they uncover the secrets of their shared inheritance, will they discover that sometimes, sharing what you never wanted can lead to exactly what you need?

Review Card & Book Review – The Anti-Social Season By Adele Buck

In this offbeat holiday romantic comedy, an overworked firefighter turned social media coordinator and a librarian with an unrequited crush break a few rules in the company handbook…

For Thea Martinelli, burnout is real. After working as a firefighter for the Emergency Services Department over the last ten years, she can’t stomach any more close calls. Just when she’s ready to hang up the hose for good, she’s offered an out: stay on as the station’s new social media coordinator. It’s a move that would keep her on the squad and off the truck—if she makes it through the probation period.

Basically, she needs to learn everything there is to know about social media…fast.

Librarian and social media coordinator Simon Osman is shocked to learn his new responsibilities include showing Thea Martinelli—his high school crush—the ins and outs of digital engagement. And the fact that she doesn’t even remember him? Not helpful. Still, this could be his chance to finally turn his part-time role into something long-term.

But as the chaos of the holiday season unfolds, Thea and Simon find that the closer they work together, the hotter their attraction burns. Yet giving in to these feelings could mean giving up their careers. Are they willing to risk everything they’ve worked toward…for each other?

About The Author

My Review

Thea and Simon have a complicated relationship, often creating issues where there aren’t any due to miscommunication or overreactions. Despite getting along well, their relationship is frequently disrupted by misunderstandings, which they struggle to address maturely. After periods apart, they reconnect but seem to fall into the same patterns.

This heartwarming story focuses on second chances and new beginnings, with a festive charm that many readers will enjoy. Although their past connection adds depth to the story, it sometimes overshadows their present-day romance. Overall, this is a light, quick holiday read, perfect for fans of workplace romances with a bit of spice and a cosy, uplifting tone.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Lone Wolf In Lights By Stacey Kennedy

Everyone daydreams about a fresh start…but Willow Quinn is making it happen. She’s left her life in Phoenix to open a bar in cowboy-country Montana with her two best friends. It’s a chance to reboot in a new town with a new life—and leave behind the shadows of her past and heal. Hopefully.

All she wants to do is create an empowering space for women who need support. Snow and the holidays are on the way, so surely a craft circle is the perfect way to build community… Except who knew her plans would ruffle so many feathers.

Enter former bull rider Eli Cole. She’s drawn to the green-eyed cowboy, his intensity and the electrical charge between them. (Even though he seems to have as many dark secrets as she does.) And when she and her bar, The Naked Moose, go viral for being interlopers, suddenly Willow’s new life is on rocky ground.

But Eli has the perfect solution—give the fiercely single bar owner a fake relationship with a local. But while it might dim the negative spotlight and convince the town she really does fit in, it definitely won’t protect her heart from the cowboy she can’t resist…

About The Author

My Review

Willow Quinn moves to Timber Falls, Montana, with her friends Aubrey Hale and Charly Henwood to open a bar, hoping to leave behind her traumatic past, including her abusive ex, Niko Sanchez, now in jail. She’s struggling to feel safe again. Eli “The Storm” Cole, a quiet and patient man, understands this feeling of guilt and loss, having lost his sister to domestic violence while he was away on the rodeo circuit. He feels drawn to Willow and wants to protect her, though she initially pulls away after a passionate kiss.

As Christmas approaches, Willow starts a support group at the bar called “Empowerment Elves” to help local women by making and selling Christmas decorations for a women’s shelter. However, when Willow receives threatening messages, Eli suggests they pretend to date for her safety. As they grow closer, they begin to confront their pasts and build trust.

Just as things are looking up for Willow, disaster strikes, shaking both her and Eli to the core. It takes time and deep reflection before they can find their way back to each other, but ultimately, they achieve their happy ending. This steamy, fake-dating Christmas story highlights Eli’s caring nature and how he helps Willow regain her confidence. The story sets up anticipation for Aubrey and Gunner’s future romance in the series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Wolf Of Mayfair By Christi Caldwell

I don’t want visitors. But when the butler says the caller is a she, I spring to attention. The night just got a lot more interesting.

Turns out the recently orphaned Helia Wallace has come to see my mother, her godmother, for help with a dastardly, dowry-chasing cousin. A likely story. But there’s a snowstorm brewing, and she begs me to let her stay the night. I reluctantly agree.

It’s her reputation at stake, not mine.

With the duke and duchess wintering elsewhere, Horace House is all mine. I’m free to do whatever I want. And what I want is Helia. The Marquess of Wingrave and virgins don’t typically mix, but this one’s different—too bad I could ruin her forever.

About The Author

My Review

This historical romance is a captivating blend of suspense, passion, and redemption set in the Regency era. The story follows Helia Wallace, a recently orphaned young woman fleeing a greedy cousin and arriving in London, only to meet Anthony, the Marquess of Wingrave, known as “The Wolf” for his heartless ways. Despite Anthony’s brooding and rough demeanor, sparks fly between him and Helia, leading to a fiery romance. The book is filled with witty banter, humor, danger, and steamy moments. The reviewer loved the story, especially when Anthony’s character evolves, making the eventual happy ending all the more satisfying.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Happy Publication Day – 26 April 2025

The Payback Plan By Amy Andrews

Karma’s here to stay!

When fate strands Paige Parker at O’Hare airport during a snow storm little does she know her misfortune is the beginning of a wild and life-changing adventure. Because when she meets three complete strangers, they quickly bond over shared tales of betrayal and heartbreak. And just for fun, they concoct a scheme to exact sweet revenge on their exes!

Except when the plan becomes a reality, Paige finds herself in Cornwall with Olly Prendergast. Son of a movie star, grumpy recluse and responsible for jilting his fiancé on their wedding day with a text message. The payback plan has begun! Step one: move into his spare room and disrupt his peace and quiet. Step two: bring a pet hamster, adopt a dog and let chaos run loose. Step Three: unapologetically make a mess in his pristine house at every opportunity. Step 4: Show Mr Grumpy what fun looks like!

But Paige is unprepared when the plan begins to backfire and she starts to see the man behind the reputation. And when she can’t ignore their undeniable chemistry anymore Paige has to battle with the secret she’s been keeping from Olly and loyalty to her friend and The Karma Club…

Review Card & Book Review – Protector In Disguise By Veronica Forand

They’ll have to forgive the past

To save their son in the present.

Fiona Stirling’s latest romantic thriller ends on a happy note when the heroine’s husband comes home after a dangerous mission. Fiona herself wasn’t so lucky. Her husband, Jason, died in Colombia, hunting a drug lord. Or so she thought…until Jason returns five years later. Knowing that Jason went into hiding to protect his family does nothing to dispel her sense of betrayal. But Fiona has secrets, too, and she and Jason are going to have to learn to trust each other again if they want to save their son.

About The Author

My Review

Five years ago, romance suspense author Fiona Stirling lost her husband, Jason, who was declared killed in action during a mission. Now a single mother to her 13-year-old son Matt, Fiona’s world is turned upside down when an intruder breaks into her home, and her son is nearly abducted at a book signing. She soon learns that Jason is actually alive. His death was staged by the government to protect their family after a cartel leader’s son was killed during the mission. Jason has been living under a new identity, building a business, while keeping his past hidden. As danger returns and Jason reveals himself, the story intensifies with nonstop action, emotional turmoil, and lingering secrets. The plot is captivating with well-developed, imperfect characters. It’s a promising start to a new series.

My Rating