July 11, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Book People By Jackie Ashenden

When Kate, a fledgling bookseller, decides to open a bookshop that celebrates the kinds of genre fiction she loves to read (popular and fun!), she’s surprised to find that not everyone in the town is as excited as she is.

Least excited of all? Sebastian, owner of the highbrow bookshop across the road, who has rules for everything: the kind of books he sells, the clothes he wears, and the people he dates (no-one local).

When the pair find themselves working together on the town’s literary festival, their growing attraction becomes harder and harder to ignore. Professional rivalry aside, just one steamy kiss can’t mean anything, can it?

About The Author

My Review

This charming romance follows Kate and Sebastian, rival bookstore owners in a small town, whose opposite personalities and literary preferences spark an unlikely love story. With themes of community, bookish passion, and personal baggage, the novel blends humor and heartfelt moments. The subplot of historical letters adds a sweet touch, though unresolved family drama and loose story threads leave the ending feeling incomplete. Despite occasional repetition, witty banter, engaging side characters, and the cozy small-town setting make this a delightful read for fans of bookshop-themed romances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 11 July 2025

The Paradise Hook – Up By Christy McKellen

Stuck in paradise with only one bed…

Dee Donovan is used to living up to her reputation as the ‘wild’ twin. She finally has an opportunity to prove everyone, especially her father wrong. She just needs her sister’s business partner Jem to play along with her outrageous plan. Secure a business deal by faking it as her boyfriend in Greece. The catch? Jem and Dee are not that close. In fact, Dee can’t put her finger on it, but Jem seems to really dislike her!

However, it’s just for 24 hours. Until a storm blows in trapping them, alone in Paradise! With no way of getting home, they need something to do… why not confront their tensions head on? After all, they’ve been dancing around their chemistry for years now. But Jem has a secret – he’s not quite as experienced as Dee in this particular area!

So Dee promises to teach Jem everything she knows before they return. And it’s clear that her student is a very fast learner! And all too quickly, they start wishing the storm would hang around. Because neither want to think about what will happen when they have to return to reality…

Review Card & Book Review- Not Your Biggest Fan By Sara Ney

Harlow James is destined to rock the dating world. The creator of Kissmet, the app helping singles find love, she’s in New York to secure advertisers. But the sassy, small-town girl can’t help meddling in other people’s business.

When she runs into a muscular stranger at her go-to food truck, Harlow doesn’t realize he’s Landon “Andy” Burke, the NFL’s most-wanted free agent, in town to talk contracts. She just sees a hottie about to get burned by undercooked street food. Though she tries to warn him, he shrugs her off, making a little wager instead.

In a messy twist of fate, Andy finds himself in the same hotel as Harlow. When she collects on their bet, they make a mind-blowing—and bed-rocking—connection. But after the weekend, she goes home to Green Bay to her goofy dad and corgi, ready to focus everything on work again. Kissmet, however, has other ideas, when Andy knocks on her door…

About The Author

My Review

Not Your Biggest Fan delivers lovable characters, witty banter, and great pacing, but lacks the edge of the author’s indie titles. The meet-cute and Andy’s reluctant feelings for Harlow were charming, as were their magnetic connection and humorous text exchanges. The sports angle and Andy’s relationship with his parents added depth and fun moments. However, the depiction of Green Bay as a small town felt off, making some details harder to connect with. While an enjoyable read with plenty of laughs, it fell short of being a standout favorite.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble