August 6, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – Love And Other Hollywood Endings By Susannah Erwin

The best love stories happen off-screen…

It’s a perfect beginning: upbeat screenwriting student is mentored by genius-but-grumpy indie filmmaker, they argue over movies and share one secret kiss. But then comes the gut punch Sutton Spencer didn’t expect… Xavier Duval skips town and ghosts her completely, right after savagely critiquing her screenplay.

Fast-forward ten years, and Sutton is now a movie exec vying for a VP position. To prove herself, she offers to travel to a remote shoot and oversee Xavier’s new sci-fi blockbuster, which has gone way over budget. This time, she’s in charge. And Xavier? He’s as talented, gruff and hot as she remembers—and still convinced there are no happy-ever-afters in real life.

Xavier knows he messed up with Sutton, but he had his reasons. Now, seeing the way she combines sweetness with nerves of steel to get his production back on track, he almost wishes he believed in romance. Instead, they agree to an on-set fling, one that will fade to black when shooting stops.

On paper, it’s that simple. But life, and love, has a way of going wildly off script…

About The Author

My Review

This second-chance romance follows Xavier, an indie director struggling with a financial scandal, and Sutton, a production executive sent to shut down his over-budget film. Instead of a past breakup, their history is a missed connection from ten years ago, making their reunion less about overcoming heartbreak and more about rekindling old sparks.

As Sutton steps in as producer, she and Xavier fall back into their playful, flirty dynamic, with their growing chemistry obvious to everyone but them. While their romance is engaging, the story moves quickly, skipping over key relationship moments and wrapping up too fast. Despite this, it’s a fun and charming read with great banter and compelling characters.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 6 August 2025

Designing Daphne By Mia Rosette

Designing a collection for the runway is hard enough. But redesigning her entire life? She didn’t spend all those years in fashion school with that in mind.

When an up-and-coming fashion designer’s boss steals her designs and destroys her reputation, Daphne Owens moves across the country and starts over. From the bottom.

But in her move to New York City, finding a job that can cover rent quickly proves to be the least of her worries. Though the job she’s found is in the fashion industry, it’s not really hers yet. First she’s got to audition for six months, in a head-to-head competition with the ruthless Brandon Wright, to determine who is more worthy of the permanent gig.

Once upon a time, that wouldn’t have phased her, but Brandon seems hellbent on sabotaging her at every turn. Changing measurements so her garments are ill-fitting? Stealing her fabric? Trashing her sketches? And then there are those career-ending rumors her old boss is still spreading which, like Daphne herself, have made it from the west coast to the east. How can she possibly win when no one else is fighting fair?

Losing isn’t a good look, and it’s certainly not a look she’s willing to wear. But unless she can figure out a way to come out on top with her integrity intact, she’s going to have to play dirty, too… or risk her entire future coming apart at the seams.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year By Beth Moran

Mary never planned to stop running.

With a past she’s desperate to leave behind and a baby on the way, she’s found a new home, deep in the forest, hidden from the world. But when the time comes to go to the hospital, she has no idea that Beckett, the quiet, steady taxi driver who braves the blizzard to reach her, will change everything.

As Mary adjusts to life with her newborn, she finds herself drawn into a local close-knit community she never expected to be part of. Beckett is always there – dependable, patient and offering a friendship she doesn’t know how to accept but slowly comes to rely on.

In a place she thought she’d only ever be passing through, Mary finally learns what it truly means to belong. And as Christmas approaches, she begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, she doesn’t have to do this alone, and that this could be the start of something wonderful…

Review Card & Book Review – Break Point By Yahrah St. John

She came to serve.

Teagan Williams knows how to take a loss—especially a big one. After the spectacular collapse of her tennis career and her romantic relationship (note to self: betrayal does not go with tennis whites), she put down her racket, picked herself up and started her life over.

But now Teagan’s been asked to compete in her country club’s tournament. And she’s considering it. Because what’s the worst that could happen?

Her ex. The spotlight-stealing almost love of her life. That’s what could happen.

Dominic Fletcher gave up everything for tennis. To be a star, to be the best, to bring in the Benjamins. After all, his entire family is depending on him. So why does he feel so discontent? It’s not until he attends a charity tennis tournament that he understands why. Teagan.

Now Teagan and Dominic are taking their differences out on the court—and off. Because despite their past, their chemistry sparks hotter than ever. But getting a chance to even the score is one thing. Playing to win is an entirely different game…

About The Author

My Review

This second-chance romance follows former tennis stars Teegan and Dominic, whose relationship ended years ago after an injury forced her to leave the sport. When they reunite at a charity tournament, Dominic seizes the opportunity to reconnect by suggesting they play doubles together.

While the premise is intriguing, the story struggles with repetitive conflicts and a lack of communication between the main characters. Teegan dwells on past betrayals, but the details of her supposed “outcast” status remain unclear. Despite rekindling a physical relationship, meaningful conversations about their past are delayed until the very end. Additionally, Teegan’s family dynamics, particularly her mother’s sudden shift in agency, feel inconsistent.

Though the book delivers a satisfying happily-ever-after, the pacing and unresolved tensions hinder its impact. More direct communication between the characters could have strengthened the story’s emotional depth.