Monthly Archives: May 2025

Review Card & Book Review- Marrying Th Mechanic By Shanna Hatfield

A heartwarming journey of love, growth, and the bonds that tie hearts together even when life leads down unexpected paths.

Mechanic Jace Easton grapples with the sudden changes happening around him. His younger sister, Tassie, has always relied on him, but now she’s off traipsing around the globe with the prince of her dreams. As Tassie prepares to step into her future, Jace is confronted with the harsh truth that she has matured, and so has her best friend, Deena. The deepening attraction he feels for Deena—a pull that becomes increasingly difficult to ignore—leaves him further unsettled and struggling to accept his new reality.

Deena Durant may earn her living welding farm equipment, but her true passion lies in crafting metal sculptures. Alongside her artistic dreams, she clings to the hope that Jace might eventually see her as more than his sister’s friend. Until then, she conceals her feelings and does her best to encourage him as everything familiar shifts into unchartered territory.

When Jace and Deena work together to help Tassie’s dreams come true, will they discover their own path to true love?

About The Author

My Review

Jace and his sister Tassie, who lost their parents young, moved to Summer Creek, Oregon, to live with their uncle. Now, with their uncle gone, it’s just the two of them. Tassie is in love with a prince and plans to move away, leaving Jace feeling the weight of change. Meanwhile, Deena, Tassie’s childhood friend, has secretly loved Jace for years. A welder by trade, Deena surprises Jace one day by appearing in something other than her usual work attire, and he finally sees her in a new light. As they grow closer, Jace, a mechanic, worries he’s holding her back from a bright future. This heartfelt story celebrates friendship, personal growth, and the strong foundation of love between two people discovering each other in a new way.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Happy Publication Day – 27 May 2025

If You Can’t Stand The Heat By Mona Shroff

When a cooking competition turns personal

A pair of chefs will feel the burn…

What’s the recipe for success? For single mom Karina Mistry, it’s the head-chef position she’s chased for years. But her boss has one more hoop for her to jump through. The new head chef will be chosen…via a reality cooking-show competition! Four weeks, eight meals, two competitors and everything on the line. Losing this job would be crushing. But losing to Chef Aneel Rawal, the man from her past she’s never forgiven? That’s not an option. It’s time for Karina to sharpen her knives, turn up the heat…and watch the tension simmer! 

A Wedding Between Enemies By Lorraine Hall

Her choice:  
Hate him or marry him! 

Straitlaced Serena Valli didn’t expect her late father’s company to come with ruinous debts. Her strategy? Forge the merger of the century by marrying infamous rival CEO Luciano Ascione. A foolproof plan, if she can stand the maddening—and infuriatingly handsome—Italian… 

Fabricating a playboy lifestyle has worked in Luciano’s favor; the world and his cruel father underestimate his every move. The pleasure he takes in vexing his alluring and steely fiancée, however, is very real. And when Serena matches his fire with her own, Luciano fears it’s not only she who’s unraveling… 

The Roommate Experiment By Camilla Isley

Could there be room for attraction?

Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother Dylan for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to change: Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she’s being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?

Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.

But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.

But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?

Nurse’s Nine Month Surprise By Carol Marinelli

ONE NIGHT TO UNEXPECTED MIRACLE

When nurse Sorcha saves a stranger with the help of ER doc Richard, she doesn’t expect her own world to be upended as well. Because dropping her guard with Richard leads to an unforgettable encounter—with life-changing consequences! And the last place Sorcha expected to reveal her pregnancy was the hospital…when it’s announced she’ll be working with Richard. But when he’s wrestling with a painful past, can love-weary Sorcha trust that Richard will be there not just for their baby, but her too?

Invitation To His Billion – Dollar Ball By Cara Colter

THE ENEMY…OR PRINCE CHARMING?

Layne grew up in the shadow of Whitmore Castle dreaming of dancing in the ballroom with her own leading man. Now manager of the estate, Layne’s determined to see it succeed as a luxury guesthouse. So when the billionaire owner, Jesse, returns intent on razing it, Layne won’t back down! Soon she realizes there’s more than bricks and turrets at stake for Jesse and vows to change his mind. As the guesthouse’s grand opening approaches, Layne longs for her former rival to ask her to the ball…

The Guest Cottage By Lori Foster

Marlow Heddings is starting over. She’s carried the outrage of her husband Dylan’s affair with a younger woman—and the expectations of his family’s powerful Chicago holdings company—long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she’s unapologetically moving on.

Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views—and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they’re sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow’s new life feels like a dream.

Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.

To Marlow’s astonishment, Dylan’s “other woman” is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws’ demands, and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they’ll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.

Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship . . . and even a second chance at love.

Silver leaf Rapids By Jodi Thomas

Deep in the heart of Texas, five generations of Kirklands built the sprawling Double K Ranch, battling fire and frost, outlaws and disease. It’s said the dirt flows through their veins as sure as Silverleaf Rapids flows through Ransom Canyon. But the canyon also had a way of becoming part of just about anyone who landed there . . .

19-year-old Staten Kirkland was studying at Texas Tech when he got the news that the grandfather who raised him, J.R. Kirkland, was fighting for his life. Now Staten would have to leave college behind, not to mention the girl he loved. And he’d have to grow up overnight. More than that, he’d have to become a boss—theboss—running thousands of acres of ranch. He’d always hated change. But change was barreling toward him . . .

Rootless and stuck in the dull routine that was her life, college professor Charlotte Lane escaped into fiction. But now she was restless for a change—in the form of being the new high school teacher at the small town bordering Ransom Canyon. Still, at this point in her life, what if she couldn’t change—or even remember how? Maybe she’d find others to show her the way . . .

The youngest of six, Peggy Warner came last in every way, not even worth sending to college. Now 27, she’s never left home and lives in service to her aging parents and her married siblings’ growing families. But she still has dreams—and under the big sky overlooking Ransom Canyon they may come true . . .

Not So Fast By Karen Booth

When the curves are this dangerous, only a race car driver will do…

Mia Neal is a champion overthinker. Find something, fixate on it and spiral down. Fortunately, she puts that energy to good use: a podcast about Formula One, her favorite sport in the world. There’s nothing about racing Mia doesn’t adore. The speed. The drivers. The fierce competition. The single-minded ambition. Ironic for a woman who’s changed careers more times than she can count.

Only now her salty takes on gorgeous Brit driver Xander Bishop have gone viral, and the podcast feels more and more like what she’s meant to do… Then Xander’s teammate invites her to the Miami Grand Prix to see F1 up close—and get in Xander’s head. He’s not exactly delighted at all the shade she’s been throwing his way.

It should be all-out war. Instead, Mia and Xander are stunned by the sudden crackle of…something sexual arcing between them. It’s irresistible, unbelievably hot—all Mia’s warning flags are waving. Because this reckless attraction is coming at Mia all too fast…

The Family Next Door By Zoey Marie Jackson

A little boy in need
Could unite two broken hearts.

After her business goes under, Torryn Emerson is only too happy to return to her hometown and restore the house left to her in her mother’s will. She never expects to find friendship next door. Matthew Lawson finds it difficult to connect with his young son after his wife’s death. So when Connor is drawn to their fun-loving neighbor, Torryn, Matthew asks for her help. As they spend more time together, Torryn can’t help but fall for the little boy and his father…but can they overcome past hurts to become the family they need?

Review Card & Book Review – Christmas Cancellation By Evie James

Noelle Nichols must make it back to her small hometown for the most important deadline of her life. She’s jobless, newly single, and desperate to claim her inheritance before Christmas Eve—or risk losing everything. 

When a snowstorm throws Noelle’s plans into the kind of madness only New York winters and canceled flights can bring, she lets loose on the wrong man: Captain Kol Vinter, the tough, ex-military airline pilot who’s suddenly in her way—and, annoyingly, the only person who can help her get home. 

Stuck at LaGuardia, at the mercy of a snow apocalypse blowing in and airline chaos, Kol’s not exactly thrilled with Noelle’s fiery complaints about his airline, but something about her unguarded tears pulls him in. 

When Kol catches Noelle wishing she’d never been born, he makes her an offer that could change both their lives: a one-way trip to Saratoga Springs, the quintessential Christmas town that’s lost all its magic for Noelle…until now. Kol stopped believing in holiday magic long ago. After offering this sassy spitfire a ride, all Kol can think about is how bad of an idea this is. What begins as a bumpy ride soon turns into something steamier than hot cocoa by the fire, with moments that ignite hotter than any flaming marshmallow. But Kol isn’t your typical holiday hero—he’s got scars of his own and walls he’s not keen to let down. 

Noelle’s sassy exterior can only keep them both at arm’s length for so long, especially as she rediscovers the joy of the season in the town she used to call home. He may be a grumpy “guardian angel,” but what if he’s exactly who Noelle’s been waiting for? Will Kol’s protective heart and smoldering presence be enough to remind her that life—even when it’s messy and shadowed by loss—can still be wonderful? Filled with snowball fights, spicy encounters, and small-town holiday charm, Christmas Cancellation is a heartfelt retelling of a Christmas classic that will have you laughing, crying, and believing in love all over again.

About The Author

My Review

In Christmas Cancellation, Noelle’s life is in shambles—she’s lost her job, faced betrayal, and is now stuck in a snowstorm that could alter her future. Enter Captain Kol Vinter, a rugged, no-nonsense man with his own struggles. As they navigate forced proximity and romantic tension, their journey unfolds like a modern It’s a Wonderful Life, filled with self-discovery, healing, and unexpected love. The story combines Christmas warmth with real emotional depth, witty dialogue, and a hint of spice. Ultimately, it’s a heartwarming reminder that even amidst life’s chaos, something wonderful can emerge.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 26 May 2025

Finding Love At The Magical Curiosity Shop By Jaimie Admans

In a shop full of stories, some magic is real.

Mickey Teasdale loves her quaint curiosity shop, where every item feels magical to her. She loves imagining the past owners of her knick-knacks and telling her made-up tales to customers, but lately, the magic has dimmed; the shop feels cluttered, and even her stories seem as worn as the items she sells.

Everything changes when the grumpiest customer Mickey’s ever met—single dad Ren Montague—walks in with his surly teen daughter, Ava. Ren hates mess and clutter and prefers order and calm, but he’ll do anything to see Ava smile. Yet, something shifts in him when he meets Mickey, who seems like she stepped out of her very own fairy tale.

When Ava discovers a secret diary, hidden from years long ago, she and Mickey believe it must have once belonged to a real-life mermaid! Ever sceptical, Ren tries to protect Ava from disappointment, but as they unravel the mystery together, something special happens…

Ren learns that happy ever afters still exist if you’re brave enough to look for them, and Mickey discovers that real-life can sometimes be way more magical than anything she could have ever imagined.

Review Card & Book Review – Playing To Win By Sasha Lace

She only wants a winter fling with no promises. But rules are there to be broken.

Madison

After being jilted in Kentucky, playing for Calverdale Ladies in England was a chance to escape and spend Christmas alone, avoiding my feelings.

Which is how I’ve ended up snowed in at a Welsh pub with a retired rugby player who’s hot enough to thaw me out.

But when the snow’s gone, so am I. I won’t let another man in, not even one as gorgeous as Geraint…

Geraint

Running the pub, I’ve had flings with guests, but never one as sexy as Madison.

Too bad she’s so closed off. For both our sakes, we’ve agreed to keep our relationship physical. No attachments. No regrets.

Which is good, because I promised my dad I’d hold on to the Dragon Inn, no matter what. So I’m fine with no commitments, because I can’t ask a woman with a brilliant career in London to give everything up to be with me, in the middle of nowhere. Can I?

About The Author

My Review

In this heartwarming Christmas romance, Geraint, a former rugby player, struggles to keep his late father’s pub in Wales afloat. He feels a sense of duty to honor his father’s memory despite the pub’s lack of success. Madison, another American soccer player, is also dealing with heartbreak after being left at the altar. She joins a UK team but struggles to fit in. Seeking a Christmas escape, she travels to Wales, hoping to find solace where her parents married. There, she meets Geraint, whose past injuries ended both his career and marriage. A snowstorm brings them together, leading to a memorable holiday connection.

The story weaves themes of healing, connection, and found family, with a cozy holiday backdrop. Geraint and Madison’s unexpected romance blossoms, and Madison’s journey brings a sense of closure to the series, ending with the characters celebrating Christmas in Wales.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Playing For Keeps By Sasha Lace

She’s breaking all his rules.

Lana

The press say I’m the wild child of women’s football, and now a tabloid journalist’s blackmailing me. No wonder I needed distraction in the shape of Alex, the men’s team’s new Scottish goalie.

It was a one-night stand: fun and done. I don’t do commitment – and he’s old enough to be my dad. But there’s something different about Alex…

Alex

Lana is like a tornado. Fierce. Devastating. Just passing through. My son, Brodie, is my world, and he needs someone who’s sticking around.

But Lana’s made me feel alive again for the first time in years, and I can’t get her out of my head. Is a future with this party girl too much to hope for…?

About The Author

My Review

Lana, a dedicated player on Calverdale’s women’s football team, is thrown into turmoil when a bad encounter with the press leads to blackmail. Faced with a choice between exposing secrets about her male counterparts or risking her family’s privacy, she is cornered into a tough position. Meanwhile, Alex, a recent transfer to Calverdale’s men’s team, crosses paths with Lana unexpectedly. After a passionate night, he’s surprised to find himself drawn to her, despite the grief of losing his wife and his protective instincts for his son. Lana, on the other hand, is focused on her dream of making England’s women’s squad and shielding her family from scandal, with no room for romantic entanglements. But the connection between her and Alex, a charming Scottish goalkeeper, proves harder to resist than she anticipated.

Although Lana is portrayed with a compelling blend of strength, vulnerability, and inner conflict, the story itself feels lacking in depth. The relationship’s development is rushed, with Lana going from emotionally guarded to fully integrated into Alex’s life rather quickly, which feels forced rather than natural. Alex is an endearing character, though some of his actions seem inconsistent with his age and life experiences. However, his dedication to his son and his supportive view of Lana’s career and character provide some of the story’s most touching moments.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 25 May 2025

How To Get Even By Pippa Roscoe

Karma’s ready to work

Socialite Bella Carmichael’s perfect life was shattered when she was jilted at the altar. But a fated encounter with three perfect strangers at an airport is the beginning of an exhilarating and empowering sisterhood; The Karma Club. Bella doesn’t need a man, she just needs to get even! But instead of her ex-fiancé, Bella’s target is the man who betrayed her new best friend, Chase Miller; artist, charmer, cheater!

Bella’s strategy is simple; get a job at Chase’s soon-to-be-opening New York art gallery. Make herself indispensable, while subtly chipping away at his reputation and sanity. (She’s so good at her job, he won’t suspect a thing!). And at all costs, ignore the sizzling and very mutual electricity with her off-limits boss!

Going head-to-head with the arrogant artist unleashes a side of Bella she’d long since forgotten. The fiery, imperfect, naughty Bella revels in every challenge he delights in setting her. But when her sabotage goes too far, Bella discovers that there’s more to Chase than The Karma Club thought. Now she must turn her plan from vengeance into redemption and undo all her devious acts, before she falls for him… or is it too late?

Review Card & Book Review – Playing To Score By Sasha Lace

He’s wanted her for years…but they’re professionals now. Who will cross the line first?

Skylar

I’ve fought my way to the captaincy of Calderdale Ladies, and it means everything to me. So when my toxic boyfriend breaks my heart, I bottle it up. The team comes first.

Dr Reece Forster is supposed to be getting the team in the right head space for victory, not counselling me through heartache, but I can’t help opening up to him.

The hot doc is off limits, but the chemistry between us is off the charts…

Reece

I’ve longed for Skylar Marshall since we were in school, when she was prom queen and I was eating lunch with the librarian. She never even knew I existed.

And now? I’m good at my job because I’m in control. The professional boundaries are there for a reason.

But when Skylar confides in me, it’s all I can do not to abandon my principles completely. If I tell her how I feel, I could lose everything. But, how can something that feels this right be wrong…?

About The Author

My Review

This romance novel follows Reece, a deeply nurturing and selfless character, and Skylar, a strong but vulnerable woman who learns to accept love and herself. Reece’s unwavering support for Skylar, alongside her journey toward self-acceptance after heartbreak, creates a heartfelt dynamic. Set against the backdrop of elite women’s football, the story provides an engaging glimpse into this world. Sasha’s passionate, intense writing explores relationship imperfections and draws readers in with its addictive style. Ideal for fans of spicy romance with endearing, complex characters, this book delivers an emotional journey that’s hard to put down.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Don’t You Want Me Baby? By Rachel Dove

Amber Fitzpatrick is about to hit thirty and has achieved none of the things she hoped to have done by now. Her dreams of owning her own business seem out of reach. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and now her biological clock is clanging in her head.

But maybe Amber doesn’t need a man for the next stage of her life? Maybe as an independent woman she can have a baby all by herself?

There’s only one problem. Handsome but excruciatingly annoying best friend Tyler Williams. Tyler thinks Amber’s motherhood plans are plain crazy! She just needs to wait for Mr. Right to come along…and maybe he’s closer than she thinks?

But with Amber hellbent on doing it alone, Tyler sets out to prove to her that being her best friend could also come with excellent benefits…if only she’s brave enough to take the chance.

About The Author

My Review

Amber, a restaurant manager, is left heartbroken and with her future plans in ruins when her engagement falls apart, her biological clock ticking louder than ever. Tyler, the chef she manages, has loved her quietly for years, and now he finally has his chance to pursue her. While there are obstacles to their romance—many in Amber’s own mind—Tyler is a supportive, attentive presence, unlike her ex. As much as she overlooked him at first, Amber begins to appreciate Tyler’s gentle care and attentiveness.

After enough time for Amber to heal, they find their happily-ever-after. Both characters are in their 30s, navigating careers and relationships, which adds maturity to their story. Set against a lively UK pub scene with colorful side characters, the book primarily focuses on Amber’s personal growth, offering a refreshing take on romance from author Rachel.

I particularly enjoyed the first half, where Amber takes charge of her life, making it empowering to watch her reclaim her goals instead of starting from heartbreak. Tyler is also endearing, his hidden crush adding charm. However, the second half felt less satisfying; their relationship leaned more toward teenage drama, with Amber repeatedly pushing Tyler away, which seemed out of character. Her desire for a baby was also frequently mentioned but not fully developed in the storyline. Overall, it’s a refreshing short romance with an enjoyable start!

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Playing The Game By Sasha Lace

She dominates on the pitch. But he’s the boss in the bedroom.

Miri

I’ve always dreamed of playing professional football, so when the new director of Calverdale Ladies wants to sign me, I should be ecstatic. But renowned billionaire playboy Gabe Rivers doesn’t just want me as his new striker…

I need to get to the top because of my talent on the pitch, not in the sack. So I can’t be another prize for Gabe. Even if he is infuriatingly gorgeous.

Gabe

Do I care that the press have decided I’m a heartless womanizer? Not one bit. I’ve never given up anything I want, and that includes Miri Forster.

She’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen, and sexy as hell. I know I can get her out of my system—I just need one night. And I don’t care what it costs me…

About The Author

My Review

This fast-paced, engaging romance kicks off a series with Gabe, a wealthy, famous man haunted by his past, and Miri, struggling with heartbreak, family health issues, and debt. When Miri, in disguise, crosses paths with Gabe, tensions rise as he also tries to recruit her to his new soccer team. Their romance quickly escalates, perhaps too swiftly, but leaves readers eager for book #2 and the introduction of Reece.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble