Monthly Archives: October 2025

Review Card & Book Review- The Puck Stops Here By Rachael Stewart

Karma comes to play…

When journalist Astrid Sinclair meets her kindred spirits at a snowed-in airport, she knows she’s found her ride-or-die circle—women with a lot to love and an ex they’d sooner hate. But hating’s no fun, karma is! So they hatch a plan to go after one another’s ex…

Astrid’s target? NHL superstar Aiden Carter—the man who traded his childhood sweetheart for the bright lights of fame, tearing her new BFF’s heart in two. Astrid’s plan? For the punishment to fit the crime!

Armed with killer heels, sexy specs, and an all access press pass, Astrid infiltrates the New York Titans as a journalist writing an exclusive exposé on Aiden and his twin brother, Blake. She’s got the charm, the wit, and all the right moves to get under Aiden’s skin. But there’s a snag—brooding, maddeningly irresistible Blake keeps getting in her way.

Astrid is here to break a heart, not lose her own. But when sparks fly with the wrong twin, she’s playing a dangerously different game…

About The Author

My Review

Astrid and Blake’s chemistry had just the right amount of slow burn and spice to keep me hooked from start to finish. The setup—a woman scorned plotting a little karmic payback—felt fun, sassy, and full of emotional tension. It’s the kind of premise that can go either way, but Stewart handles it with wit and warmth, letting the story unfold in a way that’s both satisfying and entertaining.

What really won me over was how easily digestible this book was, without being shallow. As a sleep-deprived mom of five, I don’t take “one more chapter” lightly—but I tore through this in under 24 hours. The characters felt real, relatable, and delightfully imperfect. You want everyone to get their happily ever after, and that emotional investment is a testament to Stewart’s character development.

Despite those minor quibbles, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good romance that left me smiling—and curious about what’s to come next. The hint of a continuing story was well-placed and has me eager to see what Rachael Stewart brings us in future installments.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, low-angst romance with heart and heat, The Puck Stops Here is a great pick. Just be prepared for a bit of British flair in an otherwise all-American love story.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Fix-Up By Sarah M. Peterson

Ellie should probably have listened to the part where inheriting her house came with a hot, grumpy stranger and six months to figure it all out…

Ellie Sterns is a twenty-eight-year-old single mother who only ever seems to date seriously questionable men. But she’s just inherited both a home and thriving café, so life is looking up. The catch? Only half belongs to Ellie—the other half goes to the previous owner’s grandson. Gilbert Dalton may be absurdly handsome, but his frown never wavers and he has a chip on his shoulder the size of a small country.

Ellie would happily spend the rest of her life avoiding him, but to claim their inheritance, they must first live on the property together for six months. For Ellie, the house and the café are her future. For Gil, they’re part of a past he wants nothing to do with. She wants to stay, he is determined to sell. Will they be able to decide what comes next without going to war with Ellie’s whisk and Gil’s toolbelt for weapons?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers around Ellie, Gil, and little Ollie, a trio that felt so vivid and authentic, it was as though I was living alongside them. Their chemistry, individual struggles, and growth were beautifully written, making it genuinely difficult to say goodbye when the last page turned. Even the secondary characters shone brightly, adding warmth, humor, and depth to the story without ever overshadowing the central romance.

Emotionally, this book is a journey. The author manages to blend heartbreak and healing with laugh-out-loud humor so seamlessly that I often found myself in tears—sometimes from sadness, other times from sheer joy. The story doesn’t rely on spice or drama to engage the reader. Instead, it leans into emotional resonance, wit, and heart, making it a standout clean romance that still delivers all the feels.

A particularly charming touch is how each chapter begins with a quote from a child explaining what love means to them. These little gems were not only adorable but also thematically spot-on, reflecting the emotional nuances of the characters’ journeys.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 21 October 2025

The Captain By Christi Caldwell

Miss Linnie McQuoid Smith has spent a lifetime dreaming of love, but the man she’s always longed for is no longer the one she remembers. Captain Jeremy Tremaine, once a devoted family friend, is now consumed by vengeance, his heart hardened by betrayal at sea.

Lord Culross, on the other hand, offers Linnie the kind of future she ought to want. Yet his quiet devotion and steadfast affection pale in comparison to the intoxicating and undeniable pull she feels toward Tremaine.

But Tremaine’s thirst for power threatens to eclipse their desire for one another, and the demons he carries may destroy them both. As shadows close in, Linnie must decide: the safe path of a love freely given, or the reckless passion that could cost her everything.

Big Nick Energy By Kristen Bailey

One woman, two Nicks, and a Christmas season that’s about to get very complicated.

When librarian Kay bumps into her ex-boyfriend Nick at a Christmas market, she thinks fate is finally giving her a second chance with her first big love. But then she gets spectacularly tangled in a Christmas tree-netting machine and meets another Nick entirely. One who cuts her free, dresses her wounds, and makes her pulse race in ways that thoroughly confuse her.

Finance Nick is successful, settled, and ready to talk five-year plans. Farmer Nick makes handcrafted furniture, supports local charities, and sees the creative spirit Kay has kept hidden behind her library desk. But how is a girl to choose?

Soon she’s spending her days delivering books to children’s hospitals and care homes with farmer Nick, before dashing home to whip off her reindeer onesie and glam up for romantic dates at the ballet with finance Nick.

But the countdown to Christmas is on, and Kay can’t keep this up forever. Somehow she must navigate London’s most complicated love triangle, avoid getting any more pine needles stuck in her hair – and work out once and for all which Nick has her heart.

Still Holding Out For You By Jennifer Carr

Still Holding Out for You will wreck you and put you back together.

They met chasing dreams on national TV.

What they found was something bigger than fame.

Austin Blake always thought ranch life was his future—until a chance encounter at a dusty Montana bar lands him a spot on Real American Country, a televised music competition that could change everything. When he meets Willow Gracin, a fiercely talented singer from Savannah with a heart full of lyrics and something to prove, sparks fly—on and off the stage.

As the cameras roll and the music plays, Austin and Willow find a connection deeper than either expected. But when the spotlight fades, life has its own rhythm—one that tests their strength, their love, and everything they thought they knew about purpose and passion.

When a tragic diagnosis threatens to silence their love song, country music stars Austin and Willow must fight for a future together in a way they never imagined. Spanning a decade of soaring highs and devastating lows, this is a story about the love you hold onto, the legacy you leave behind, and the music that carries you home, even after the last note has faded.

Review Card & Book Review- The Island Of Hopes And Dreams By Kate Frost

When the beginning of the end is just the start…✨

Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life, and she knows something has to change.

With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.

Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.

With the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.

Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Lola, newly single and skeptical about love, who travels to Sardinia for her best friend Mirabel’s wedding. Surrounded by couples and picture-perfect lives, Lola feels like an outsider—until she meets Rhys, the groom’s best friend, who’s also craving a break from the pressure. Together, they agree to fake a relationship to keep everyone at bay—but their connection soon begins to feel very real.

Although the fake-dating setup is well-trodden territory, Frost makes it fresh with well-drawn characters and emotional nuance. Lola’s personal journey—shaped by past trauma, self-doubt, and the discomfort of watching others seemingly have it all—is handled with honesty and care. Rhys isn’t just a romantic interest; he’s given his own backstory and depth, making their growing bond believable and rewarding.

For anyone navigating their thirties and feeling out of step with those around them, Lola’s experience will feel especially relevant. The book also gently highlights the value of open, honest conversations and how much we all benefit from connection and vulnerability. A delightful, thoughtful romance full of heart, humor, and scenic charm—perfect for readers who enjoy emotional journeys with a satisfying, hopeful ending.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 20 October 2025

Canapés At The Beach House Hotel By Judith Keim

A surprising turn of events awaits Ann and Rhonda…

When Vice-President Amelia Swanson asks them to oversee a stay at the hotel by the Italian Ambassador to the United Nations in New York City and his family, Ann and Rhonda hope this won’t mean another problem for The Beach House Hotel. Enrico Ferrara, his wife, Catarina, and his daughter, Philippa, arrive at the hotel at the same time a young chef, Chet Waring, and a friend, Harper Lewis, seek employment at the hotel after being unfairly booted from the Miami restaurant scene by a notorious, difficult chef. The same chef, Jonny Arno, is opening an Italian restaurant close to The Beach House Hotel to compete directly with them. All of these people, and a few more, come together to create a recipe for danger, love, and loyalty.

The Spiced Cocoa Cafe By Harper Graham

A new girl in town who lives for Christmas and has everything to prove. A local rival with tousled dark hair and a smirk that spells trouble. Who will win the holiday showdown of the year? Find out in this totally addictive small-town romance! Gilmore Girls + spice = 🔥

Cassidy is finally opening her dream chocolate shop, inspired by her dear Grandma who made the best cocoa. Now all she wants for Christmas is to win best decorated store and show she belongs in the small-town of Maple Falls. But she’ll have to pull out all the stops to beat the handsome, loveable grinch across the street…

Liam hates the holidays—they remind him of past heartbreak. But to support his family’s llama sanctuary, he’s determined to deck out his farm shop in holiday cheer and win that prize. Then he sees her—chocolate-smeared cheeks, wide blue eyes and the warmest smile. He’s up against the cutest, most Christmas-obsessed person ever…

Their rivalry heats up as the town divides between Team Cassidy and Team Liam. But with the snowflakes falling and their stores looking all merry and bright, will the magic of the season bring them together?

Clued In To Love By Ellie Alexander

When her hometown launches a holiday scavenger hunt with a life-changing cash prize, Marissa Henry jumps at the chance to save her fledgling business—until she’s partnered with the most gorgeous but infuriating man in town.

Marissa’s catering company is her passion project but it’s swiftly turning into a financial disaster. With bills piling up and her culinary dreams crumbling faster than aged cheddar, she’s determined to win the prize money.

There’s just one problem: she’s been paired with William Graff, who wrecked her carefully curated display when she catered his wealthy family’s party and who she’s convinced is an entitled jerk. But as they race through holiday challenges, from Christmas light chaos to competitive snowman-creation, Marissa discovers there’s more to William than his trust fund and his ugly holiday sweater collection.

Soon Marissa has something new to fight for: a chance at an unexpected romance that could really change her life.

Review Card & Book Review- Falling In Love At Pennycress Inn By Sarah Hope

Is this just a summer romance or could it be more? 💕

Nicola grew up at Pennycress Inn, in the beautiful Cotswold village of Meadowfield, and now she’s come full circle by landing a job there. After a difficult few months, she’s happy to be back in the place she loves and calls home.

The whole village is looking forward to the annual summer carnival, and Nicola is charged with asking the local farmers to lend their tractors and trailers for the occasion. It’s an easy task – until she meets the new owner of Little Mead Farm, who stubbornly refuses to help.

On sabbatical from his City job for the summer, Charlie wants to do up his late uncle’s farm and put it on the market as soon as possible. The place might have been in his family for generations but country life is simply not for him. He has no time for whatever the villagers are up to.

When Nicola and Charlie meet, sparks fly – and unexpected feelings grow. Soon there’s more at stake in Meadowfield than the success of the carnival. But whatever happens between them, this is just a summer romance… isn’t it?

About The Author

My Review

Nicola is a wonderful heroine—kind-hearted, resilient, and deeply connected to her hometown of Meadowfield. After a painful breakup with her cheating fiancé, she throws herself into her job at the lovely Pennycress Inn and volunteers to help with the annual carnival. Enter Charlie, the grumpy newcomer who’s inherited his uncle’s rundown farm and has zero plans to stick around. He’s all sharp edges at first, but once his walls begin to crumble, he reveals such a thoughtful and gentle side. I really liked Charlie—his transformation felt genuine, and the chemistry between him and Nicola was sweet and satisfying.

Nicola’s ex continues to cause drama (honestly, what nerve!), but she handles it with grace. It’s her generous spirit and deep love for her friends and the community that make her so endearing. I also adored side characters like Trixie and Claudette—not to mention the hens, who somehow added even more charm!

The small-town setting of Meadowfield and the warm, close-knit community make this book such a feel-good escape.

My Rating

Link to Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Nurse’s Nine – Month Surprise By Carol Marinelli

ONE NIGHT TO UNEXPECTED MIRACLE

When nurse Sorcha saves a stranger with the help of ER doc Richard, she doesn’t expect her own world to be upended as well. Because dropping her guard with Richard leads to an unforgettable encounter—with life-changing consequences! And the last place Sorcha expected to reveal her pregnancy was the hospital…when it’s announced she’ll be working with Richard. But when he’s wrestling with a painful past, can love-weary Sorcha trust that Richard will be there not just for their baby, but her too?

About The Author

My Review

This is an emotionally charged, right-man-wrong-time romance that delivers on both drama and heart. Carol Marinelli skillfully weaves a story of missed chances, complicated pasts, and the life-changing surprise of an unexpected pregnancy.

Sorcha is a sympathetic heroine—vulnerable but strong—as she navigates not only a painful encounter with her birth mother but also the aftermath of a brief, passionate night with ER doctor Richard. The revelation of Richard’s marital status adds a punch of heartbreak, and the story doesn’t shy away from the emotional complexity that follows. Their workplace tension crackles with chemistry and unresolved feelings, made even more compelling by the looming reality of parenthood.

Richard is a layered character, caught in a no-win situation yet desperate to do the right thing. His journey toward redemption and responsibility is one of the book’s strengths.

Ultimately, this is a heartfelt medical romance about love, consequences, and second chances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Girls Just Want To Have Sun By Jo Lyons

She never expected to find herself in Benidorm. But when life gives you lemons, add a shot of tequila…

Connie’s singing career isn’t exactly going to plan. On a final warning from her agent and failing every big audition, she’s desperate for a fresh start. So when she lands a last-minute gig in Benidorm (of all places) she jumps at the chance – despite knowing she’s completely out of her depth.

Thrown into the wild world of the Dollz, a cocktail-fuelled girl group who love glitter as much as they love drama, Connie struggles to fit in. Then there’s Matteo – the brooding, annoyingly attractive local who seems to be everywhere she turns, throwing her further off course.

As she stumbles through a week of sun, surprises and absolute chaos, Connie has to decide: is this rock bottom, or can she find her own way to shine?

About The Author

My Review

This is a fun, feel-good romp that perfectly blends humor, heart, and a splash of sunshine. Connie, a down-on-her-luck singer reeling from personal and professional disappointments, is thrust into the chaos of a last-minute gig in Benidorm with the wild, free-spirited Dollz as her opening act. What follows is a week full of mishaps, personal growth, and laugh-out-loud moments.

Connie’s journey—from grief and self-doubt to rediscovery—is heartwarming and relatable, especially as the unlikely friendship with the Dollz helps her break out of her shell. The dynamic among the women adds vibrant energy to the story, with each character bringing something unique and outrageous to the mix.

The romance with Matteo adds a sweet layer, though it could have benefited from more development—it leans a bit too heavily on the quick transition from friction to passion. Still, the charm of the setting and the comedic timing more than make up for it.

This book is an uplifting, summery escape about second chances, found family, and rediscovering your sparkle.

My Rating

Link To Purchase