Monthly Archives: June 2025

Review Card & Book Review – Beg, Borrow Or Steal By Sarah Adams

Maybe it’s time for a plot twist . . .

Emily Walker hates anyone disrupting her carefully curated life, especially her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett – the exact opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer. But now Jack’s back in town after a failed engagement and he’s here to stay . . . as both her colleague and her neighbour.

Jack is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. Until, that is, he realises he’s now neighbours with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons.

With their red-hot animosity at an all-time high, Emily makes a mistake that could reveal her secret literary identity. Frustratingly, she needs Jack’s help to make it right. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?

About The Author

My Review

This rivals-to-lovers romance follows Jack and Emily, who meet at the start of college and find themselves repeatedly drawn together over the years. Both characters carry emotional baggage from their pasts, but their relationship blossoms as they open up and support each other. Their witty banter, email exchanges, and natural chemistry make their connection feel authentic and endearing.

The story avoids miscommunication tropes, with Jack and Emily being refreshingly honest about their feelings. The romance progresses smoothly, and the small-town charm of Rome, Kentucky, and its meddling residents adds warmth and humor. While the book includes open-door romance scenes, the author provides warnings for readers who may wish to skip them. Overall, it’s a heartfelt and entertaining story filled with laughter, love, and small-town charm.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Beg, Borrow Or Steal By Sarah Adams

Maybe it’s time for a plot twist . . .

Emily Walker hates anyone disrupting her carefully curated life, especially her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett – the exact opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer. But now Jack’s back in town after a failed engagement and he’s here to stay . . . as both her colleague and her neighbour.

Jack is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. Until, that is, he realises he’s now neighbours with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons.

With their red-hot animosity at an all-time high, Emily makes a mistake that could reveal her secret literary identity. Frustratingly, she needs Jack’s help to make it right. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?

About The Author

My Review

This rivals-to-lovers romance follows Jack and Emily, who meet at the start of college and find themselves repeatedly drawn together over the years. Both characters carry emotional baggage from their pasts, but their relationship blossoms as they open up and support each other. Their witty banter, email exchanges, and natural chemistry make their connection feel authentic and endearing.

The story avoids miscommunication tropes, with Jack and Emily being refreshingly honest about their feelings. The romance progresses smoothly, and the small-town charm of Rome, Kentucky, and its meddling residents adds warmth and humor. While the book includes open-door romance scenes, the author provides warnings for readers who may wish to skip them. Overall, it’s a heartfelt and entertaining story filled with laughter, love, and small-town charm.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- A Love Like No Other By Kate Frost

Four women struggle with their life choices and the hand fate has dealt them…

All Pippa Green has ever wanted is marriage and kids. But at thirty-four and about to embark on IVF, her dream of having a family is far from certain.

Pippa’s younger sister Georgie has the opposite problem. Juggling her career, her lover, a young daughter and a husband who wants baby number two, she seems to have it all. But does she?

Carefree Sienna, Pippa’s best friend, is happy travelling the world with her successful career in film, however, long term boyfriend Ashton is desperate for Sienna to commit to their future. But when mother nature throws them a surprise, will it make or break them?

Happily married Connie shares her fertility journey with Pippa. While their blossoming friendship is cemented through the highs and lows of shared experiences, Connie underestimates the impact that being unable to conceive will have on her and her marriage.

As their lives collide in a way they could never have predicted, will any of them find lasting happiness?

About The Author

My Review

This book tells the poignant stories of four women navigating the complexities of love, family, and self-discovery. Pippa and Connie, united by their longing for motherhood, confront different infertility challenges. Meanwhile, Georgie cherishes her baby but struggles with the unpreparedness of motherhood, and Sienna, fiercely independent, is steadfast in her child-free lifestyle—until fate intervenes.

This emotionally charged novel explores hope, heartbreak, and the bonds that form through shared struggles. The author masterfully captures each woman’s highs and lows, making their journeys deeply relatable and heartfelt. The story’s themes of resilience and support linger long after the final page, making it a memorable and touching read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 24 June 2025

What Happens In The Highlands By Anna Bradley

In the months since their father, Rory, died, the MacLeod sisters have had to contend with bands of smugglers convinced he left a treasure buried within the walls of their home at Castle Cairncross. Only the most mystifying occurrences have foiled the thieves—stirring whispers that the sisters are sorceresses. Yet, they have no treasure, nor are they witches. However, each inexplicably possesses a unique ability. The eldest, Catriona, is a brilliant healer and alchemist—a skill she is about to put to unforeseen use . . .

Hamish Muir, the charismatic Marquess of Ballantyne and son of Rory’s business partner, has come to claim his share of the treasure. When he spies fiery-haired Cat in the village, he follows her. But the tables turn, and Hamish finds himself at Castle Cairncross—emerging from a daze . . .

Persuaded the castle harbors no treasure, Hamish remains certain Rory hid it somewhere. Cat offers a proposal: She will help Hamish decipher her father’s notes if he takes her on the treasure hunt with him—and her sisters are not left alone. Reluctantly, Hamish summons two Lairds to the castle. But as he and Cat set off to navigate a maze of maps and danger, a mutual respect—and attraction—ignites between them. Perhaps the real treasure isn’t gold after all . . .

An American In London By Louise Bay

Tuesday Reynolds’s dreamy life in Manhattan has gone belly-up. Ditched by her college sweetheart and with her Wall Street banking job at risk, she’s off to London to prove herself to a new CEO. Plans change when Tuesday meets Ben Kelley, a wealthy, scowly, and movie-star-handsome stranger. He’s just missing one thing to make his professional dreams come true.

What does Ben need? Oh, just a fake fiancée to impress a duke and duchess. What’s in it for Tuesday? Enough money to put a down payment on an apartment back in New York, a new wardrobe, and a weekend in the country at the stately home of the duke and duchess. The Bridgerton vibes are absolutely off the charts.

Everything between Ben and Tuesday is completely professional, until the rehearsals for their weekend romance start to feel…almost authentic.

It’s official. Tuesday’s life has been hijacked by a rom-com scriptwriter. But the best love stories aren’t the ones on the big screen. Maybe they’re the real ones that sneak up on you when you least expect it.

Once Upon A Thyme By Jane Lovering

Can you bloom where your roots are planted? 🌱

Since taking over the family herb farm, Natalie has stuck with what she knows, rarely venturing much further than the nearby village where her invalid mother now lives. But then, one day, everything changes with the arrival of unexpected visitors.

First comes Zeb, employed by Natalie’s mother to help with the business but soon hinting at other motives. Then comes Simon with the famous band he manages, wanting to film in Natalie’s beautiful garden. The band causes chaos and the attitude of one particular member throws Natalie’s ordered life into confusion.

Over one magical summer of revelations and of uncovering secrets, Natalie starts to blossom and by the time autumn arrives she knows nothing will ever be the same again. Will she finally get an answer to the mystery of her childhood? And can she embrace the fresh start she so deserves – but which means she’ll have to take one enormous and brave leap of faith?

Small Town Hero By Linda Lael Miller & Maisey Yates

The towns may be small, but the hearts of the cowboy heroes in this duo of romantic novellas are as outsized as the rugged land that surrounds them . . .

ONE LONESOME COWBOY
by Linda Lael Miller
When a family crisis brings web designer and part-time house flipper Susannah Holiday to Arizona to care for her young niece, she’s soon juggling work, childcare—and her growing feelings for local paramedic and horse whisperer Ian McKenzie. They have more in common than meets the eye—including being cautious when it comes to love. But when a disturbing revelation from Susannah’s past surfaces, Ian is there to comfort her, and they both find their longing hearts opening to a better future—together . . .

COWBOY, TAKE ME AWAY
by Maisey Yates
After Birdie Lennox, daughter of a notorious cattle rustler, gets caught stealing a horse off Gunnar Parsons’ land, she ends up bunking in his barn to work off her debt—plus her daddy’s. But Birdie hardly has patience for Gunnar’s moralizing. The man inherited his ranch and has always hated her family. Still, it beats prison. Maybe. What neither anticipates is discovering they have more in common than they dreamed possible. Even more unexpected is the spark between them—and the love it might ignite . . .

Sweet Expectations By Mary Ellen Taylor

Daisy McCrae is picking up the pieces of her life in the hope of making something better. Running the family bakery, finally connecting with her sisters, rebuilding her relationship with her ex-boyfriend…It’s messy work, and yet she’s happy to manage it.

But Daisy knows too well how much life can turn on a dime—and she’s about to learn that lesson all over again.

With the bakery renovations going haywire and her personal life hanging by a thread, Daisy isn’t sure how to move forward. That is, until an old box of World War II mementos and recipes turns up behind a wall of the bakery.

As she digs into the collection and its history, Daisy unearths a mystery that reflects the questions in her own life. And if she can unravel what happened all those years ago, maybe she can find where she’s meant to be too.

Review Card & Book Review- Forever Love At Wildflower Lock By Hannah Lynn

It’s time to meet the family…

Daisy May thought she had everything figured out. After successfully establishing her coffee shop at the idyllic Wildflower Lock and with things going well with charming Theo, she was ready to embrace her happily ever after. But when Theo pops the question, the happiness is overtaken by worries.

Because meeting Theo’s family for the first time is not accompanied by the warm welcome she hoped for. Theo’s parents disapprove of her and they have no qualms in showing it. And when they reveal secrets about Theo’s past, Daisy is left in a spiral.

As insecurities creep in, and with even her own mother expressing her doubts, Daisy begins to question her future with Theo.

Will love conquer all, or will she give in to her fears and cancel the wedding?

About The Author

My Review

In Forever Love at Wildflower Lock, the fourth and final installment in the Wildflower Lock series, Daisy is certain she and Theo are meant to be together forever. However, as challenges arise and her insecurities deepen, she begins to question their future. The story explores their tumultuous relationship and whether love can overcome personal doubts and miscommunications. While the book offers a satisfying conclusion for fans of the series, Daisy’s impulsive decisions and lack of context for new readers may hinder emotional connection. Despite its flaws, it’s a quick read with an engaging “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- On The Rocks By Leslie North

Crafting signature cocktails is my passion.Mixing things up with my oh-so-hot, mega-successful ex?A surefire recipe for the world’s most epic hangover.
I only agreed to compete in this mixology contest for one reason.To raise money so I can open my own speakeasy.And I have to admit, it’s a blast…until I see him.
Aiden Calihan. Heartbreaker extraordinaire. Grumpzilla.And now the billionaire owner of a luxury liquor brand.I’d love nothing more than to douse him with a Dirty Shirley.
Then, he goes and insults my already injured pride.The sculpted scumbag doesn’t even recognize me!And he expects me to flog his overpriced booze during the contest?
Oh, hell no!I’d rather drink bottom shelf bourbon from a broken glass.
But then he offers me a job I’d have to be punch-drunk to refuse.Create the perfect nonalcoholic drink.A gig that will fast-track my speakeasy dream.
With any luck, I won’t have to see much of the Grouch King.That is, until he starts invading my dreams.And like an alcoholic craving one more sip, I might be spiraling toward a romantic relapse…

About The Author

My Review

Cora, a skilled bartender and social media influencer known as the Masked Mixer, is thriving in her craft, creating innovative cocktails and winning contests. At a mixology event, her world is shaken when Aiden Callihan, the man who broke her heart in high school, unexpectedly shows up. To make matters worse, Aiden doesn’t even recognize her.

Now a successful liquor entrepreneur, Aiden is looking to launch a line of handcrafted mocktails and believes Cora is the perfect collaborator. Despite her initial rejection and visible disdain, a formal job offer from Aiden’s company forces Cora to reconsider for the sake of her dream to open her own bar and elevate her social media brand.

Their collaboration begins with sharp banter and unresolved tension, but as they work together, buried feelings resurface. Cora and Aiden are drawn back into the familiarity of their past, grappling with lingering heartbreak and the possibility of a second chance.

With lively dialogue, emotional depth, and a cast of delightful characters, this heartwarming story explores themes of forgiveness, ambition, and love, leaving readers eager for the next chapter in the series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Colton’s K-9 Rescue By Colleen Thompson

Justice awaits a serial killer…

With a K-9 team in hot pursuit.

To search-and-rescuer Malcolm Colton, hunting the fugitive who terrorized his family is worth any risk on a stormy mountainside. But when his trusty K-9 follows a scent, he’s stunned to encounter Giselle Dowling, the celebrity ghostwriter with whom he shares a past tragedy and personal trauma. It’s a bittersweet reunion as the estranged pair decide to work together to stop the killer. As their search brings them closer to the cult leader who threatens the Colton family, Giselle and Malcolm find themselves falling for each other. Can Malcolm’s K-9 help them bring down the killer and lead them to a future filled with promise?

About The Author

My Review

In Colton’s K-9 Rescue, the twelfth book in The Coltons of Owl Creek series, Malcolm Colton, a determined investigator with his K-9 partner, Pacer, crosses paths with Giselle Dowling, his late fiancée’s sister, during a perilous search. Both haunted by guilt and grief from a shared tragic past, they must confront lingering emotions, unravel dangerous secrets, and face a determined killer. With vivid descriptions, suspenseful twists, and heartfelt moments, Colleen Thompson crafts a compelling romance filled with resilience, healing, and unexpected challenges.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- A Vet To Heal His Heart By Caroline Anderson

RESISTING HIS UNEXPECTED HOUSEGUEST

Vet Ellie has arrived in Yoxburgh with no job, no home and a sick dog. Finding herself on the doorstep of gorgeous local vet Hugo, she begs him to save her adorable Lola. He does her one better, offering Ellie a role at his practice and a room above his own! Brokenhearted Hugo isn’t looking for a relationship. He’s suffered too much loss already. But working—plus living—together puts temptation repeatedly in his path. Because there’s something special about Ellie… Could she help him to finally move on from his grief and forge a future with her?

About The Author

My Review

After experiencing a personal tragedy a decade ago, Hugo has kept relationships at a distance, focusing on his vet practice and running to cope. When Ellie arrives at his clinic with her injured dog, the two begin to connect. Ellie, also a vet, takes temporary work at the clinic and stays in the apartment while her home undergoes renovations.

Hugo’s reluctance to open up and Ellie’s resilience make them relatable characters. The unique setting with two veterinarians as main characters adds a fresh perspective. This is a quick, mostly clean, slow-burn romance that explores whether Ellie can help Hugo heal and how she’ll react when she learns about his tragic past. It’s a heartfelt story with characters that are easy to root for.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 21 June 2025

To Catch A Lord By Emma Orchard

London, 1813

As a daughter of the notorious Wyverne family, Lady Amelia is used to being the subject of gossip. But while she has accepted her marred reputation – however unfair it is – she hates the horrible men it attracts.

Amelia decides she needs a suitor of impeccable repute to save her from the attentions of ungentlemanly gentlemen, and who better than the handsome and famously moral Lord Thornfalcon? Since coming into his title, ‘Thorn’ has been besieged by women who want to marry him, or have an affair with him, or both – so perhaps a pretend relationship might suit him too?

There’s just one small catch. Thorn’s childhood sweetheart Lavinia has also set her sights on him again, and rallied half the ton behind her. But what does that matter to Amelia – it’s only a fake engagement, isn’t it? Except, as Lavinia and her friends try to tear Amelia and Thorn apart, she starts to realise that her feelings may not be quite so fake after all.

Because the trouble with brave and handsome Lords is… they might just steal your heart.

Review Card & Book Review- A Match For The Sheriff By Lisa Childs

The sheriff vows to find the truth…

But will it be worth the cost?

Sheriff Marsh Cassidy suspects his dad’s nurse, Sarah Reynolds, knows something about the fire at his family ranch. It’s his job and his family duty to find the truth, but he’s torn between finding answers and his growing feelings for Sarah and little Mikey. Sarah would do anything to protect her son, and it’ll take more than a white hat to gain her trust. When the truth about the fire finally comes out, will Marsh and Sarah lose everything…or find a way to have it all?

About The Author

My Review

Sarah, a single mom and nurse, has cared for Jessup before and after his heart transplant. Now that he’s healthy, she feels it’s time to move out. Meanwhile, her son Mickey is struggling with guilt, fearing he caused the fire at Jessup’s ranch but refusing to discuss it. Sheriff Marsh, the last bachelor in town, avoids relationships due to his demanding job and reelection campaign. However, his investigation into the fire leads him to spend time with Sarah and Mickey. Despite her reservations about Marsh, rooted in her past and her son’s well-being, Sarah can’t deny their growing connection.

This sweet romance blends relatable characters, meddling matchmakers, and a heartfelt story, keeping readers entertained until the final page.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo
Harlequin