August 2025 – Page 7 – 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.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 5 August 2025

He Falls First By Jill Shalvis

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…

Penny Rose has learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, independent woman. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

If All Else Sails By Emma St Clair

When Josie’s brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn’t just one of her sports agent brother’s clients. He’s also his best friend. And Josie’s sworn enemy.

Oh–and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle’s ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt’s first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they’ll be able to make it home without killing–or kissing?–each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt’s layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

Meet Me In The Orchard By Carolyn Brown

Two and a half months have passed since Brodie Carter showed up in Spanish Fort, Texas to meet the father who never knew he even existed. Well, family is family, and Brodie is welcomed in (once everyone gets over their shock). Getting to know his seven half sisters and all their spouses has not been an easy job. Add to that Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard next to his. Between Audrey haggling Brodie to buy his property and his matchmaking Great Aunt Bernie setting him up on flop dates, nothing seems to be going right.

And then a tornado demolishes the house Brodie and his brothers live in and everything they own. At least the orchard and farm are left untouched. Luckily, his new family offers up rooms to Brodie and his brothers while they work to rebuild. They move into the former brothel known as the Paradise, and try to get on with their lives.

Audrey claims the storm is an omen that Brodie should sell, but that’s the last thing he’s going to do. No one boils his blood like she does, and Aunt Bernie can see it. Can Brodie and Audrey stop arguing over their properties long enough to realize the spark that’s growing between them?

Well Actually By Mazey Eddings

Eva Kitt dreamed of pursuing a journalism career all her life. Instead, she’s the host of Sausage Talk, interviewing B-list celebrities over lukewarm hotdogs. When Eva’s impromptu public call out of her college ex goes viral, she’s thrust into the spotlight. It doesn’t help that said ex is Rylie Cooper, a beloved social media personality, who built a platform on deconstructing toxic masculinity and teaching men how to be good partners.

Forced to confront Rylie on a live episode of Sausage Talk, he offers Eva a deal: allow him to take her on a series of dates to make up for his toxic behaviour, then debrief them on his channel to show he’s changed. Eva refuses to play nice, but this could advance her own career… and she wouldn’t mind defaming Rylie’s good name in the process. When their manufactured dates start to feel real, Eva has to wonder if the boy that broke her heart has become the man that might heal it.

Where Are You Now By Jenny Hale

Ava St. John is on her way to a client meeting when her car is hit from behind, landing her in the hospital.

While she’s unconscious, she hears two options:

“Find Lucas Phillips and live out the rest of your life, or pass on peacefully—which will it be?”

She chooses to live. There’s just one problem. She hasn’t seen Lucas Phillips since she was fifteen years old.

Ava questions everything she knows in her search for Lucas: her faith, belief in herself, and her life choices. But her biggest questions are, what will she do when she finds Lucas and what happens to her if she doesn’t?

A heartwarming story that will have you believing in fate. If you adored the movies based on Jenny’s books and are searching for more feel-good romance, look no further!

Review Card & Book Review – Rustler Mountain By Maisey Yates

Every year, thousands of people come through Rustler for the rodeo, historic home tours, old-fashioned candy making demonstrations, sharpshooter shows—and to see the site of the 1800s shootout in which notorious outlaw Austin Wilder was killed by Sheriff Lee Talbot. Now Millie Talbot, the sheriff’s descendant, wants to bring back the town’s Gold Rush Days. But she needs the current Austin Wilder’s support to make her dream a reality. . .

The Wilders are rumored to be as true to their last name as their ancestors. Nonetheless, Austin is agreeable to helping Millie. But he wants something in return. Austin is working to clear his family name by writing the true history of his outlaw ancestors and Millie might just hold the key.

When Millie wrangles Austin into helping plan Gold Rush Days, he figures it’s a chance to get to the truth of the past. . . . But when sparks start to fly between this bad boy and good girl, will either of them come out of it unscathed?

About The Author

My Review

Rustler Mountain by Maisey Yates is a small-town romance about Millie Talbot, a librarian determined to restore the town’s museum, and Austin Wilder, a cowboy from a family with an outlaw past. Despite their families’ long-standing tensions, they form an unexpected alliance that turns into a heartfelt romance.

With themes of heritage, identity, and redemption, the story balances angst, warmth, and chemistry. Millie’s quiet strength and Austin’s emotional depth make for a compelling dynamic, while the small-town setting adds charm. A mix of history, romance, and personal growth, this is a satisfying read for fans of contemporary love stories.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – The Unexpected Family Man By Alexis Morgan

A substitute family…

Or a second chance at forever?

Between running his family’s bar, volunteer firefighting and becoming guardian of his late best friend’s son, Shay Barnaby barely has time to sleep. Thank goodness for Carli Walsh, the administrator at Luca’s school. Carli finds herself helping the grieving little boy adjust to his new world—and marveling at how quickly the three of them feel like a family. But after a previous marriage built on lies, Carli needs the real thing. Can Shay prove he’s not just looking for a substitute mother to Luca but a love that lasts a lifetime?

About The Author

My Review

Shay Barnaby has his hands full running his family’s bar, volunteering as a firefighter, and now raising Luca, the son of his late best friend. Struggling to balance his new responsibilities, he finds unexpected support in Carli Walsh, the caring administrator at Luca’s school. As Carli helps Luca adjust, she and Shay form a close bond, and soon, the three of them start to feel like a family.

However, Carli has been hurt before—her previous marriage was built on lies, and she refuses to settle for anything less than real love. Shay must prove that he isn’t just looking for a substitute mother for Luca but a lasting partner. Can they overcome their pasts and build a future together?

This touching and uplifting romance explores themes of love, trust, and second chances, with heartfelt moments and emotional depth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 4 August 2025

Love And Lattes At Pumpkin Hollow By Victoria Walters

I remembered my mum telling me that autumn was a chance for nature, and for people, to let go of anything that was holding them back…

Willow Connor has one shot to save her family’s farm – turning it into Birchbrook’s first ever pumpkin patch. There’s just one problem: she has exactly zero pumpkins and only six weeks to make it happen. Everyone in the close-knit town thinks she’s crazy, but she’s determined to prove them wrong.

Enter Dylan Henderson, a hotshot property consultant with a clipboard full of reasons why selling is the smarter choice. Determined to stand her ground, Willow makes him a bold offer – stay and watch her turn the farm around. To her surprise, he agrees.

Now, as Willow throws everything into making her pumpkin patch a success (even if it means buying every pumpkin in the county), she also finds herself learning a thing or two from Dylan – about business, about ambition… and maybe about love?

Will she save the farm and prove everyone wrong? And when the deal is up, will Dylan walk away – or has he found something worth sticking around for?

Review Card & Book Review – What Happens At The Beach … By Rachael Stewart

TEMPTATION UNDER THE SUMMER SUN…

After her home and livelihood are demolished by developers, Fae agrees to house- and dog-sit for her wealthy stepsister in Bondi Beach. A fish out of water in this glamorous setting, Fae has her guard up when she encounters gorgeous neighbor Rick and his adorable Great Dane. But the philanthropic billionaire quickly challenges her perceptions, and their intense chemistry explodes into a passionate—but strictly temporary—flirtation. Because it’s clear Rick doesn’t trust easily, and Fae could never truly belong in his affluent world—could she? Yet it’s increasingly hard to imagine their trysts ever ending!

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that beautifully develops between Fae and Rick. Their chemistry is undeniable, but unlike other Rachael Stewart books, their connection grows gradually, based on trust and understanding rather than just physical attraction. The story is filled with swoon-worthy moments that will melt your heart.

Fae, having lost her job, home, and sense of self, finds refuge when her step-sister asks her to dog-sit while away on her honeymoon. It’s the perfect opportunity for Fae to take a step back and figure out her future. Meanwhile, her first meeting with Rick—entangled dog leads and all—adds humor and charm to their budding romance.

The novel is filled with warmth, laughter, and lovable dogs, making it an irresistible read. While Rick’s ex-fiancée and Fae’s father may be frustrating characters, the overall story is an absolute delight.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 3 August 2025

One Snowy Day By Shari Low

On a cold winter’s day, a storm is brewing in the village of Weirbridge…

Georgie Dern has the chance to swap her empty nest for the job of a lifetime in Los Angeles. Can she chase her dream if it means letting down the woman who has given her the world?

Jessie McLean should be counting down the hours until she jets off to spend her retirement years in the sun. But when a devastating betrayal resurfaces, she has to choose between a fresh start and staying behind to settle old scores.

Alyssa Canavan has spent years building the business she adores. Now a legal letter has threatened her home and livelihood, but how does she fight a family that doesn’t give a damn?

Lachlan Morden is forced to return to Scotland to face the people who almost destroyed him. Will coming home reopen old wounds, or will a memory from the past lead him to the perfect revenge?

Review Card & Book Review- Best Friends For Never By Teagan Hunter

Parker Pruitt’s dream is to restore her small town’s long-shuttered theater—one to be named in honor of Noel Carter, the boy who followed his dream from Emerald Grove, Washington, to Hollywood…and broke Parker’s heart. Now he’s back to attend the kickoff ceremony, and for Parker, that means smiling through a swell of mixed emotions at seeing her former best friend for the first time in a decade.

Noel may be one of the hottest actors in the world, but he’s still touched by the tribute. And a little nervous about seeing Parker again. But when his weekend jaunt extends into a six-week stay, long-repressed memories and feelings come rushing back. As the simmering attraction between them builds, Noel is determined not to ruin this second chance even if his return to LA is hanging over them.

They’re making the best of the time they have left, but is there any chance of a Hollywood ending?

About The Author

My Review

This is a small-town, second-chance romance set in Washington. Parker and Noel, childhood best friends turned first loves, parted ways when Noel pursued acting in LA while Parker stayed behind. A decade later, they reunite in their hometown of Emerald Grove for a theater renovation project, rekindling their deep, undeniable connection.

With a charming, Gilmore Girls-esque setting, the novel blends nostalgia, romance, and low-angst storytelling. Noel is a refreshingly likable celebrity hero, and the chemistry between him and Parker is both swoon-worthy and heartfelt. A perfect, feel-good read for romance lovers.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble