July 31, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – Revenge Puck By L.A. Hart

After Elle Townsend is dumped by her hockey star boyfriend Christian Riley on the eve of the championship playoffs, she devises a plan for sweet revenge—a fake romance with Christian’s arch-rival.

Preston Lawrence takes his hockey career very seriously because brawling on the ice is the only thing he’s good at. With the championship trophy and his contract extension on the line, he needs to figure out a way to control his temper that always flares and gets him ejected whenever he faces his rival. So, when a heartbroken blonde asks Preston for a photo with him to try to make Christian jealous, he raises the stakes.

Known for avoiding the spotlight, Preston kisses Elle in front of a crowd of sports reporters, certain the video will go viral. Their “fake” kiss felt a little too real for Elle and Preston. It looks real to Christian too, who goes ballistic when he sees Elle in the stands wearing Preston’s jersey, and holding up a sign that insults the size of Christian’s “stick.” Infuriating Christian helps Preston keep his head in the game so his team could win game one of four.

That’s why he suggests to Elle that they keep up their charade through the championships. Christian and Preston have a complicated history.

Their rivalry intensifies further when they begin to fight over Elle. As Elle and Preston grow closer, secrets unravel, causing Elle to question if Preston’s feelings are genuine or just a part of his revenge plot against Christian.

Will Preston be able to convince Elle that his feelings for her are real, or will Christian find a way to win her back?

About The Author

My Review

After being dumped by her hockey-player boyfriend, Elle seeks revenge by taking a photo with his biggest rival, Preston. When Preston escalates things by kissing her in front of the press, their fake dating scheme takes off. As Preston plays his best game ever, he convinces Elle to keep up the act—but soon, real feelings develop. Now, Elle must figure out if Preston truly cares for her or if it’s still about getting back at her ex.

This is a fun, fast-paced hockey romance with humor, chemistry, and a bit of drama. While the fake dating setup starts off immature, the story improves as their relationship deepens. Some of Preston’s behavior toward Elle and other women is frustrating, but overall, this is an enjoyable, light read—perfect for when you want something quick and entertaining.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 31 July 2025

Moving On By Roisin Meaney

Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home…

As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.

In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.

Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen’s name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who’s everything she’s ever wanted.

And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny – though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.

The Sanctuary Keepers By Alexandra Barber

When Carrie Adams flees to the remote, pretty Isle of Wight after her life crumbles, all she wants is quiet solitude to heal. Hideaway House, with its thatched roof and weathered turquoise door, seems the perfect retreat – a place where time stands still.

As Carrie settles into island life, she’s drawn into a circle of unlikely friends: apple-cheeked Rita, whose warmth feels like coming home; the prickly Major, guarding his own grief; and Guy, a tousle-haired gardener whose quiet presence stirs something unexpected in her heart.

But the house holds secrets of its own – whispers in empty rooms lead Carrie to an old tea caddy of bittersweet memories of a family who once lived here, long ago. As Carrie begins to piece together the cottage’s achingly beautiful secrets, she realises that the threads connecting past and present could be the key to finally finding her own fragile peace…

Review Card & Book Review- Always By Helen Hardt

Take his breath away…

Braden and Skye have an electric connection that gets stronger with every boundary and every limit they push. There’s nothing Braden won’t explore with Skye…with one exception. Only now she’s the one who’s challenging him. Because what Skye wants is the one thing Braden can’t give her. And the only way he’ll be able to keep the woman he loves is to relinquish the one thing he’s mastered above everything else: control.

About The Author

My Review

Always by Helen Hardt is a compelling continuation of Braden Black and Skye Manning’s tumultuous love story. Told from Braden’s point of view, this installment dives deep into their emotional conflicts, exploring the challenges of a long-term relationship and the sacrifices love demands. The tension between them is palpable, especially when Braden breaks things off because he can’t give Skye what she wants. As both characters reflect on their priorities, the stakes rise when Skye’s life is put in danger, forcing Braden to confront what truly matters to him.

While this book may not have the same level of intensity as earlier installments, it plays a crucial role in rounding out their journey. The secondary characters add depth and fun, enhancing the story’s overall appeal. Fans of the series will appreciate this introspective look at Braden’s mindset, making Always a satisfying and necessary piece of their road to happily ever after.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Kobo