September 1, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Some rumors turn out to be true…

Love isn’t easy. Especially when everyone seems to have found it but you. For florist Mara Barretto, her romantic life—or lack thereof—has baffled her close-knit family for years. Now that her baby sister is getting married, however, the pressure to settle down is at an all-time high. Then she meets Jay Montinola, a fellow wedding guest who’s equally single.

And rumor has it that every girl who kisses Jay finds The One immediately after.

So Mara does what any girl would do: try it for herself.

It’s only a kiss—one that will supposedly put an end to her single life and thrust Mara into the arms of Mr. Right, wherever he is. Yet the moment Jay’s lips are on hers, Mara’s plan takes an unexpected turn. Will she finally find the relationship she longs for, or is true love a lot closer than she thinks?

About The Author

My Review

This book tells the story of Mara Barretto, a floral designer who feels the weight of her family’s expectations as she remains single during her sister’s wedding. At the lively celebration, she meets Jay Montinola, a charming guest known for a peculiar reputation—every woman he kisses supposedly finds her true love soon after. When Mara impulsively kisses him, she expects nothing more than a fleeting moment, but the act sparks curiosity, gossip, and an undeniable connection between them.

As Mara and Jay navigate the aftermath of their kiss, what begins as a playful encounter turns into a slow, heartfelt unfolding of feelings. Their growing bond is surrounded by the warmth of family gatherings, the vibrancy of Filipino traditions, and the subtle pressures of love and expectation. Jay proves to be more than his reputation, and Mara discovers that opening herself to love can be both vulnerable and liberating.

Overall, it is story blends humor, tenderness, and cultural richness, leading to an ending that, while swift, captures the joy of unexpected romance and the courage it takes to embrace it.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

When you least expect it, love comes knocking…

Holland Davenport is ready to go beyond her small-town existence. Her plan involves moving into an apartment in Charleston—not inheriting a run-down brownstone in Brooklyn from a relative she never knew. Yet in a burst of daring, Holland meets the challenge head-on, moving to New York to learn more about her family and renovate the place. Add to that a gorgeous next-door neighbor who turns out to be a board member at her new job, and she’s definitely out of her depth.

Noble Washington is the successful CEO of a company he spent a decade building. But his carefully ordered life begins to unravel the second he meets fiery social worker Holland—and spends one unforgettable night with a woman who should be off-limits.

There’s a wall and a world of differences lying between them. But the sheltered Southerner and the ambitious native New Yorker feel a pull that just won’t be denied…

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt and steamy romance that blends emotional depth with undeniable chemistry. When Holland Davenport unexpectedly inherits a run-down Brooklyn brownstone, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery while clashing—and connecting—with her polished and magnetic neighbor, Noble Washington. Their attraction is instant yet layered with personal challenges, making their romance both passionate and meaningful. The vibrant Brooklyn setting enhances the story, creating a rich backdrop for Holland’s fresh start. With its perfect mix of tension, tenderness, and self-growth, this novel is a captivating read that stays with you long after the last page.

My Rating