Monthly Archives: July 2025

Happy Publication Day – 5 July 2025

The Magic Of Provence By Alison Roberts

Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful. . .

Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which is healing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.

When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’s also committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?

Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other while Provence works its magic

Review Card & Book Review – How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May

How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?

Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?

Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.

Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.

Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance causes her heart to skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

About The Author

My Review

The novel centres on Victoria Sharpe, a woman in her 30s feeling stuck—in her job, in her relationship, and in life more broadly. With an alcoholic mother and a sense of something missing, Victoria’s world feels stagnant—until a major revelation turns everything upside down. I won’t spoil it (and deliberately went in blind myself), but when the twist hit, I genuinely gasped. It’s one of those rare plot turns that feels both unexpected and deeply human.

Victoria’s journey of self-reflection and transformation is deeply moving. Her friendship circle is a particular highlight—full of warmth, support, and authenticity. The way her friends rallied around her felt incredibly real, and the emotional reactions throughout were handled with nuance and honesty. The subject matter—while I won’t name it to preserve the impact—was something I haven’t come across in fiction before, and May addresses it with impressive sensitivity.

More than just a romance, How Do I Tell You? delves into complex themes of identity, family, and personal truth. It’s a powerful, empathetic story with heart and depth—and one I highly recommend.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Paris Chapter By Victoria Walters

Can the city of love mend a broken heart?

Romance author Tessa Elliot has writer’s block, and worse – she isn’t sure she still believes in love. To heal her broken heart, she decides to go on the romantic break in Paris she’d booked before her world fell apart.

But when she arrives at the Airbnb, Tessa is stunned to find someone is already there. Her ex’s best friend Ethan has made himself at home, being told that the place would be empty.

As it’s Paris Fashion Week, and with no other options, they agree to share the apartment. Neither will be in the place much after all, with Ethan taking a cookery course and Tessa on a hard deadline to finish her novel.

But sharing close nights in a one bed apartment, there’s an undeniable pull towards one another.

Will Tessa be able to open her heart, and her laptop, ever again?

About The Author

My Review

Tessa, a heartbroken romance author, shares a Paris apartment with Ethan, her ex’s best friend. Amidst Fashion Week and creative struggles, their undeniable chemistry grows, but complications arise when her cheating ex resurfaces. This heartfelt tale of healing and self-discovery blends love, drama, and Parisian charm. While the romance is compelling, the fast-paced attraction and dramatic twists slightly detract from Tessa’s personal growth. An enjoyable, emotional read with authentic characters and a vibrant setting.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Something In The Air By Helen Rolfe

A surprise arrival

Working with the Whistlestop River air ambulance is Nadia’s whole world. She adores her job and the team – they’re family. But when a baby is abandoned on the steps of the base, Nadia is forced to confront events from her past she’d rather forget.

A difficult change

Hudson is trying to get his life back on track after his divorce. It’s not easy juggling his work as a patient and family liaison officer and being the primary parent for his children. He wouldn’t change it for the world. But when his teenage son’s behaviour spirals out of control, Hudson begins to wonder if he can really be there for everyone who needs him…

A chance for something special?

Nadia and Hudson have always been friends, but the arrival of baby Lena pushes them closer than ever, and as their feelings start to grow, they’ll have to decide – do they have space for love when their families need them? And could they put themselves and each other first, just this once?

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Nadia, a former nurse now working on the operational side of the service, and Hudson, a patient family advocate navigating his role as a social worker. Both are burdened by personal family issues they’ve kept hidden but find themselves opening up to one another as their connection deepens. Nadia is stirred emotionally when an abandoned baby is discovered, while Hudson struggles with the challenges of his ex-wife and their children, particularly his eldest son’s behavior.

The book masterfully balances medical drama, emotional depth, and romance. Nadia and Hudson’s journey is touching, with their pasts threatening to impact their future. Additionally, Nadia’s storyline with Monica adds an extra layer of emotional intensity. The fast-paced plot, relatable characters, and insights into the air ambulance world make this a captivating read, with just the right mix of drama and romance. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy this installment.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Best Mistake Ever By Christy McKellen

Some mistakes are worth making

Beatrice Donovan would do anything for her identical twin sister. Including stepping into her hotel management job temporarily and pretending to be her – she’s desperate. What could go wrong? A lot apparently! Because her sister Delilah has hugely understated her role – the hotel is at risk of closure and she’s promised she can turn it around. Now Bea has to find a way to fly under the radar, get the job done before anyone notices their switch up.

Sounds easy, all Bea has to do is avoid her temporary new boss Jonah. However, that’s a lot harder than she thought. Not only does he have impossibly high standards, he’s also out of this world gorgeous, an ex-rockstar with a chip on his shoulder and he’s watching her like a hawk! So Bea uses her charm to keep him focussed on the job and not her. But by trying to put up boundaries and keep things professional, Bea finds herself seeing the real man beneath the grumpy façade . Yet with so much at stake, she knows she shouldn’t fall for her sister’s boss…but then again, it may just be the best unintentional mistake she’s ever made!

About The Author

My Review

Beatrice Donovan steps into her twin sister Delilah’s hotel management role, only to discover the hotel is failing, and her sister’s responsibilities are far greater than she let on. Tasked with saving the business while avoiding detection, Bea must also contend with her demanding, attractive boss Jonah, an ex-rockstar with a gruff exterior. Despite her efforts to maintain professionalism, Bea begins to uncover Jonah’s softer side, complicating her mission.

Best Mistake Ever explores themes of self-growth, resilience, and boundaries through multiple perspectives, blending romance tropes like enemies-to-lovers and grumpy sunshine. Though pacing issues arise, it’s an engaging story with heartfelt moments.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 3 July 2025

The Cruise Club By Caroline James

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.

Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she’s about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

The Twin By Amanda Brookfield

A splintered childhood.
A family divided.
An ugly past resurfaces…

From birth, twins Cath and Rob are inseparable. When their mother dies, their bond deepens as their father hastily remarries a woman with a volatile temper whose sole focus is her own baby – Oliver – who arrives nine months later.

When, aged 48, Rob tragically dies, Cath’s world begins to crumble. Her grief compounded further by Oliver’s out-of-the-blue decision to attend Rob’s funeral, opening old wounds after three decades of estrangement.

Thrown together, the half-siblings are forced to confront a past that sends shockwaves through both their lives due to the huge discrepancies in their respective recollections. But could both their versions of the truth be correct…?

The CEO I Hate By Leslie North

Liam Lockhart is my brother’s best friend, a decade older, and the kind of mistake I swore I’d never make twice.

Two years ago, we kissed—hard, hot, unforgettable—until he shoved me away like I was a mistake he couldn’t afford. Message received.

So I did what any heartbroken writer would do: I turned him into the villain of my webcomic. Broody, smug, infuriating—and totally based on Liam.

I thought I was subtle. I wasn’t.

Now, thanks to a twist of fate (and my brother’s injury), Liam’s offering me the job of a lifetime: head writer on a hit show for his streaming platform.

The catch?

Working with him every day—while he pretends he hasn’t bonded with the stray mutt now following him everywhere—and trying not to strangle (or kiss) each other.

I should say no. I should remember how it felt when he ghosted me.

But this is my dream job. And staying professional is the plan.

Right up until his lips crash into mine again.

We can keep it casual. We can keep it quiet.

As long as my brother never finds out.

As long as we don’t catch feelings.

As long as I don’t do something truly stupid—like falling for my brother’s best friend.

Kissing Liam the first time was a mistake. Doing it again? A disaster waiting to happen.

Back In The Saddle By Maggie Eckersley

Saddle up for love…

Caroline swears she’s done with love. Fleeing her Scottish homeland with a broken heart for fresh start in Oklahoma is supposed to be smooth riding – until a whisky-soaked night at a local bar leads to a smouldering kiss with a devastatingly handsome cowboy. Hunter’s charm stirs something wild in her, awakening desires she thought she’d buried for good after her divorce.

Hunter has no time for distractions. With his family’s ranch on the line, he has enough on his plate. But then he meets Caroline, a sultry, sharp-tongued, whip-smart doctor. Their chemistry is electric, their connection undeniable – and that kiss? Unforgettable.

As their worlds collide, Caroline and Hunter find themselves drawn together in a whirlwind of passion and longing. But both are tied to the past and neither is ready to let go.

Can they hold the reins steady, or will they call it quits before the dust settles?

Cupcakes And Kisses In Micklewick Bay By Eliza J Scott

Every night, Jasmine Ingilby dreams of delicate sugar flowers and perfectly swirled buttercream. By day, she steals moments between her cleaning shifts to craft stunning cakes from her tiny kitchen, hoping to transform her passion into something more. But as a fiercely independent single mother of two, finding time to grow her fledgling business feels like reaching for the impossible.

Just when her hard work seems about to pay off, Jasmine’s carefully balanced world begins to crumble. Her landlord puts a ‘For Sale’ sign outside her rented home. Then a figure from her past returns to town, reopening old wounds Jasmine thought had long healed and causing trouble at school for her young children.

Then Max Grainger – her childhood best friend – unexpectedly returns to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years away, and Jasmine is blindsided by the emotions his presence stirs. Now a successful businessman with a son of his own, Max seems determined to solve all her problems. But years of self-reliance have built walls around Jasmine’s heart that even the sweetest gestures struggle to break through.

Will Jasmine’s fear of getting burned again stop her from accepting help when she needs it most? Or will the loyal support of her friends help her discover the perfect recipe for love?

Never Tear Us Apart By Roman Coleman

Fate has brought them together. Will time tear them apart?

✨✨✨

2025

Named after a star, war correspondent Maia knows how to find the brightest stories – the tales of survival and strength – hidden amongst the dark realities of combat.

Now, travelling to Malta to visit her estranged father, with one more chance to build a relationship with her last remaining relative, she’s here to find her own story: never having found somewhere – or someone – she can call home, she’s desperate for answers that might show her where she truly belongs.

But when she arrives on the beautiful mediterranean island, she realises her long-lost family is full of more secrets than she could possibly have imagined. . .

✨✨✨

1942

Maia wakes up to find herself on an island under siege, a city in ruins – and knows she must have been sent here for a reason.

Who has she been sent to save? Or is it Maia herself that needs saving? And just when she’s finally found what she’s been seeking . . . will time separate them forever?

Review Card & Book Review- The Perfect Plan By Caitlin Weaver

She wanted to give the ultimate gift. It became the ultimate betrayal.

Fabiola has spent her life being good. The perfect daughter to her single father. A supportive wife to her entrepreneurial husband, who’s throwing everything they have at launching his start-up. A devoted mother to her three beautiful children. And a loyal best friend to Liz, who’s been by Fabiola’s side since Liz married her oldest childhood friend, Peter.

When Liz needs help starting her own family, Fabiola comes up with the perfect plan. She’s good at being pregnant, and she so badly wants to help her friend. It seems like the greatest gift one woman can give another. And Peter? For Peter – she doesn’t even have to think – she would do anything.

But then one reckless moment changes everything. Now Fabiola must decide who to protect: her best friend, the man she’s never stopped loving, or the child growing inside her. With her marriage unraveling and her teenage daughter hiding secrets of her own, she’s discovering that the hardest promises to keep are the ones we make to ourselves.

About The Author

My Review

Caitlin Weaver’s The Perfect Plan explores friendship, family, and the fallout of well-meaning decisions. Fabiola, a devoted mother, becomes a surrogate for her best friend Liz, despite her own troubled marriage and past connections with Liz’s husband, Peter.

The surrogacy unravels as emotional tensions, rebellious children, and marital issues surface, testing relationships and exposing hidden truths. Fabiola’s flawed yet relatable character anchors the story, and Weaver deftly captures the messy intricacies of motherhood, loyalty, and self-discovery.

With realistic dialogue, compelling twists, and an unexpected conclusion, this thought-provoking tale highlights the fragility of human connections and the unpredictability of life.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Track Her Down By Melinda Leigh

A teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Responding to the call, Sheriff Bree Taggert realizes the crime wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. The couple was executed. The sole survivor: their traumatized teenage daughter, Claire Mason.

Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but together they uncover more questions than answers. When Claire is stalked at the park, it’s clear the killer isn’t finished—and she’s the next target.

As Bree and Matt sift through the past—suspect by suspect—a tangled web of deception emerges, and the truth becomes harder to see. Because the victims’ entire lives were a lie. And the only way to protect the vulnerable girl is to unravel her parents’ secrets.

About The Author

My Review

This is the tenth book in the Bree Taggert series, is a gripping thriller filled with suspense, compelling characters, and emotional depth.

Bree and her team in Grey’s Hollow are thrust into a double homicide investigation after a couple is found dead, with their daughter, Claire, discovering the bodies. The case grows more complex as motives like financial troubles, neighbor disputes, and potential child abduction emerge. Meanwhile, Claire struggles with the devastating loss of her parents and her sense of identity.

Bree’s personal strength and resilience shine as she balances her professional duties with reflections on her own challenging past. Her relationship with Matt offers moments of warmth and stability amidst the tension. Readers will also enjoy lighter moments with the lovable dogs, Brody, Ladybug, and Vader.

With unpredictable twists, heartfelt character development, and a story that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and a perfect introduction for thriller enthusiasts.

My Rating

Link To Purchase