June 20, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Perfect (Mis) Match By Leslie North

I’m not one for holding grudges. But when Vincent Forde, billionaire perfume tycoon, crashes his shiny overpriced car into mine? Yeah, I’m holding that grudge.

His flashy car, tailored suit, and brooding glare—everything about him screams entitled bosshole. And then he acts like it’s my fault! Seriously, who does this arrogant, sculpted devil think he is?

He covers the damages—but with a request that has me fuming—and I figure that’s the last I’ll ever see of Mr. Rich and Ridiculous.

Except, of course, it’s not. Guess who struts into my stepbrother’s engagement party like he owns the place? Yeah, it’s Mr. I’m-Too-Sexy-To-Drive-Properly, lounging by the bar like he’s posing for GQ. I think I hate him.

Only now, there’s something he wants from me. There’s a rare perfume ingredient he desperately needs. And Lord of the Scowl is willing to pay me ridiculous money to help get it. Oh and he also wants me to pretend to be his girlfriend. As if there’s anything remotely boyfriend-material about him.

This is a recipe for chaos. A perfect (mis)match. We’re like a car crash in slow motion. Sure, he revs up emotions I’d rather keep in neutral, but I’m not getting pulled in by that confident grin or those striking cheekbones.

Except… the more we pretend, the harder it is to remember it’s all fake. And I’m starting to wonder if I’m the only one wishing it was real.

About The Author

My Review

Perfect (Mis)Match is a captivating romance that follows the unlikely pairing of Piper Doyle, a talented photographer, and Vincent Forde, a wealthy and demanding CEO. Their relationship starts off disastrously when Piper accidentally damages Vincent’s prized Bugatti, and it’s marked by tension as they are forced to work together on a major project. The plot takes a twist when Vincent convinces Piper to fake a relationship to impress his father and secure a business deal. As they spend more time together, they start to see each other in a new light, with Piper discovering Vincent’s kind side and Vincent realizing Piper is a strong, independent woman with her own ambitions.

The novel excels at portraying the evolution of their relationship, transitioning from enemies to lovers with witty banter and chemistry. It also explores deeper themes, such as the pursuit of one’s passions, family dynamics, and the competitive nature of the business world. Overall, Perfect (Mis)Match is a heartwarming, engaging read that will resonate with fans of contemporary romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 20 June 2025

Coming Home To Maple Tree Lodge By Alison Sherlock

A family and hotel in desperate need of help…

Maple Tree Lodge Hotel has been home to the Jackson family for over a century. Following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin and if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads, tough decisions need to be made.

With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister enlists the talents of cash strapped, best friend and interior designer Lily Watson. Lily jumps at the chance to showcase her talents and to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve herself a successful career doing what she loves.

However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!

Can they work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?
Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?
And can Ben show Lily that there’s more to life than work?

As autumn begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and find a reason to stay …

The Village Midwife By Tilly Tennant

Welcome to Thimblebury, the charming stone village nestled in the rolling hills of the Lake District, where midwife Zoe is hoping for a bright new beginning…

When midwife Zoe Padbury moves into Kestrel Cottage, high on a misty hill above the village of Thimblebury, everyone rallies round to make sure she doesn’t feel lonely. And as she begins her job at the doctor’s surgery, dealing with expectant mums and helping to bring newborns into the world, warmth begins to flood back into her battered and broken heart.

But the evenings are long and as Zoe sits on her cornflower-blue sofa, looking at the golden peaks crowned by clouds, she can’t help but wish she had someone to share her new life with. Her ex-husband treated her badly, but it’s still hard to resist his warm and loving messages begging for a second chance.

Distraction arrives when she meets Alex out walking his shaggy grey dog, and discovers that he will be moving in next door. As she chats to Alex, Zoe finds it hard to ignore his thick dark hair and eyes the colour of chocolate, and her heart clenches at the worried frown that creases his brow.

She soon learns why Alex is anxious when she pays his pregnant daughter a home visit and learns of the tragedy that has brought them to Thimblebury. Zoe is no stranger to sadness, and as she and Alex lean on each other, a tentative spark begins to flicker.

But when Alex gets the wrong idea and thinks Zoe has betrayed his trust, followed by Zoe’s ex appearing on her doorstep, swearing he’s a changed man, will that spark be snuffed out? Coming to the Lake District was meant to be a fresh start for Zoe. But what if the pull of her old life is too overwhelming to resist?

Review Card & Book Review – Tracking Down The Lawman’s Son By Delores Fossen

A lawman will cross every line

To bring his missing baby home

When Bree McCullough narrowly escapes an attack on her life, Deputy Luca Vanetti rushes to his ex-lover’s side. But the worst is yet to come. When their two-month-old son is kidnapped, Luca and Bree must put their painful history aside and work together to bring Gabriel home. The truth could lie in Bree’s own past and her investigation into her father’s unsolved murder. As the violence escalates, Luca vows to protect Bree and their baby against an unseen threat…and a plot to silence them forever.

About The Author

My Review

Bree McCullough is attacked while investigating a murder, and her family, including her former lover Luca and her brother Slater, must protect her and her son Gabriel. As Bree and Luca work together to uncover the person behind the attack, they must also confront whether the attempt on her life is connected to her father’s murder or another case she was investigating. Their on-again, off-again relationship adds complexity to the situation, and they must navigate the danger while trying to protect their family. The story focuses more on intrigue and mystery than romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase