Monthly Archives: October 2025

Happy Publication Day – 5 October 2025

Filthy Rich Temptation By Rachael Stewart

Theo

Making my first billion? Easy. Surviving Sadie — and her three-year-old — moving in? Pure torture. She’s my best friend’s little sister, the one girl I should never touch. Especially after that reckless kiss seven years ago…the kiss that ruined everything.

Now she’s here, under my roof, in every corner of my thoughts. Vulnerable. Off-limits. And so beautiful it hurts. I promised myself I’d protect her, keep my distance. But every laugh, every accidental touch, makes it harder to remember why I ever said no.

Sadie

I ran to Theo for safety, but the moment I walked through his door, I knew I wasn’t just in danger from my ex—I was in danger of falling again. He thinks he’s protecting me, keeping his distance. But every smouldering look says otherwise.

And every night, I wonder: what if I kissed him again? He thinks he’s just helping. But he doesn’t see how he’s rewiring my heart—how my daughter already adores him. I’m supposed to be surviving, not falling. But I know what I want…him. His hands. His mouth. His body. Even if it’s the one thing he swore I couldn’t have…

Review Card & Book Review – How To Get Even By Pippa Roscoe

Karma’s ready to work

Socialite Bella Carmichael’s perfect life was shattered when she was jilted at the altar. But a fated encounter with three perfect strangers at an airport is the beginning of an exhilarating and empowering sisterhood; The Karma Club. Bella doesn’t need a man, she just needs to get even! But instead of her ex-fiancé, Bella’s target is the man who betrayed her new best friend, Chase Miller; artist, charmer, cheater!

Bella’s strategy is simple; get a job at Chase’s soon-to-be-opening New York art gallery. Make herself indispensable, while subtly chipping away at his reputation and sanity. (She’s so good at her job, he won’t suspect a thing!). And at all costs, ignore the sizzling and very mutual electricity with her off-limits boss!

Going head-to-head with the arrogant artist unleashes a side of Bella she’d long since forgotten. The fiery, imperfect, naughty Bella revels in every challenge he delights in setting her. But when her sabotage goes too far, Bella discovers that there’s more to Chase than The Karma Club thought. Now she must turn her plan from vengeance into redemption and undo all her devious acts, before she falls for him… or is it too late?

About The Author

My Review

This is a sharp, playful, and satisfying revenge-romance that brings the heat and heart in equal measure. As the second installment in The Karma Club series, it easily stands alone while offering enticing glimpses of the wider sisterhood between the heroines. Bella, the poised socialite with a jilted past, is a standout protagonist—clever, daring, and finally embracing her inner rebel as she takes on Chase, the charming but morally dubious gallery director. The chemistry between Bella and Chase crackles, and their dual POVs lend nuance to their evolving dynamic. Bella’s transformation from “Good Bella” to “Bad Bella” is both empowering and entertaining, and her salty sabotage tactics are laugh-out-loud clever. Chase, meanwhile, proves to be more than just a target—his artistic vulnerability and emotional guardedness make him a surprisingly layered counterpart. Their relationship growth feels organic, with Bella encouraging authenticity in him just as he inspires boldness in her.

A refreshing blend of female camaraderie, sizzling romance, and second chances, How to Get Even is a delightful page-turner with a strong, smart heroine at its core.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Barnes & Noble.

Review Card & Book Review – My Big Fat Beach Wedding By Melanie Summers

The plan was simple: fake the wedding, save her career. Then she met the best man.

Vivian Whitlock’s social media empire is about to crumble. She’s closing in on thirty, and her fans are moving on to their ‘weddings and babies’ era. About to be dropped by her management team, she pretends she and her secret boyfriend are ready to take the plunge.

There’s just one problem: he doesn’t exist.

Enter Dominic James, a charismatic actor working at the idyllic Paradise Bay Resort. He’s got Broadway dreams and the perfect cover story. The two strike a deal—he’ll play her doting fiancé, and she’ll launch him into New York stardom.

But Vivian’s picture-perfect plan takes an unexpected turn when she moves into the beachside bungalow Dominic shares with his brother, Ben—an intense, fiercely-devoted single dad with no time for romance.

Surrounded by swaying palms, ocean breezes, and a precocious five-year-old who steals her heart, Vivian starts to wonder if she’s been chasing the wrong dream all along.

Is she about to lose everything she built—or finally find something that lasts?

About The Author

My Review

This sunny romcom brings together fake relationships, unexpected parenthood, and social media drama in a heartwarming (and often hilarious) package. The story centers around Benjamin, a young contractor and devoted single dad to five-year-old Henry—a sweet surprise left on his doorstep years earlier. He lives with his flamboyant and fabulous brother Dominic, whose larger-than-life personality provides plenty of entertainment and heart.

Enter Vivian Whitlock, a struggling influencer whose career is teetering on the edge of collapse. To save her brand, she needs a wealthy, devoted boyfriend—stat. Dominic, always game for drama and mischief, volunteers to play the part. Vivian soon finds herself living with the two brothers and an adorable little boy who quickly steals her heart.

The setup is classic romcom chaos, and Melanie Summers pulls it off with her usual flair for humor and emotional depth. The chemistry between Benjamin and Vivian is slow-burn and satisfying, and little Henry adds an irresistible layer of charm to every scene. The fake engagement leads to real feelings, of course, and while the story leans into trope territory (especially the influencer angle and pretend relationships), it still manages to feel fresh thanks to likable characters and great pacing.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Live, Ranch, Love By Emma Lucy

She’s here to sell his ranch, but he might steal her heart…

When English wellness influencer Rory Jones inherits her great aunt’s ranch in Colorado, her plan to fix-up and sell-up ASAP hits a snag.

Grumpy head rancher Wyatt Hensley isn’t willing to let a yoga-loving, manifestation guru who doesn’t even know how to ride a horse ruin his ranch.

But when Rory faces up to the fact she hasn’t got anything to rush home for, they strike up a deal that might just save both their jobs.

Can they keep things strictly business, or will their hearts take the reins instead?

About The Author

My Review

This book introduces us to Rory, a wellness influencer and author trying to recover from a personal betrayal and creative burnout. She escapes to her late great-aunt’s ranch with plans to renovate and sell it, hoping the project will reignite her writing spark. Standing in her way is Wyatt, the grumpy, grounded head rancher who’s given his life to this land and isn’t about to let Rory turn it into an influencer playground. The compromise? A wellness retreat that keeps the ranch’s spirit intact—if they can keep things strictly professional.

This was a light, easy read—ideal for a holiday or a break from heavier fiction. The setting was charming, and the concept had a lot of potential. However, the romance itself didn’t fully land for me. While it’s described as enemies-to-lovers, it lacked the kind of chemistry and tension that make that trope shine. It felt more like mild dislike turned into cooperation and then affection, rather than a true emotional arc.

Overall: A decent debut with a sweet ranch setting and a gentle romance, but lacking the emotional spark and tension I was hoping for. That said, I’d still consider picking up the next book to see how the author grows.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 3 October 2025

All The Things We Never Knew By Sophie Ranald

A marriage built on secrets. A family torn apart. A love that could heal them all.

When Anna Graham finds diamond earrings in her husband’s drawer the day before Valentine’s Day, she knows they’re not for her – her ears aren’t even pierced. Gray is having an affair – but before she can confront him about his betrayal, he receives a terminal cancer diagnosis that shatters their family.

As Gray lies dying in their Damask Square home, Anna meets Laurel – the nurse who stole her husband’s heart. Despite her rage, Anna finds herself sharing Gray’s final days with this other woman, both desperate to ease his suffering while drowning in their own grief.

But hidden in their loft, Anna discovers traces of a stranger – a boy who was a gifted pianist, who had a different life before he became her husband. As she struggles to hold herself together for her teenage children, Anna realises everything she believed about Gray was built on carefully constructed lies.

Can two women who loved the same man find a way to heal – and help each other discover who Gray really was?

Review Card & Book Review- Melding For You By Tegan Phillips

In the game of second chances, can they follow the rules?

When Ellis Ainsley runs into her charming, handsome ex, NHL player Liam Ruinsky, ten years after they split, she remembers why she fell for him. Now, their lives are worlds apart and though she knows they’d never work, the temptation is too much.

It was supposed to only be one night… until Ellis sees the positive pregnancy test.

Already a chronically ill woman juggling her health and career, Ellis needs to figure out how to tell Liam he is going to be a dad. And how can they co-parent, with their chemistry undeniable?

With turbulent families, overbearing coaches, and the media wanting a slice of Liam’s life, can he step up? And most of all, will they risk falling in love for a second time?

About The Author

My Review

This story brings together Ellis, a strong single mum and business owner living with fibromyalgia, and Liam, an NHL star who’s just returned home still carrying feelings for her. Their unexpected reconnection leads to a one-night stand, and when Ellis discovers she’s pregnant, both are forced to re-examine their past and whether they can build a future together.

What makes this book stand out is the honest and sensitive portrayal of fibromyalgia. Tegan Phillips doesn’t gloss over Ellis’s condition—she weaves it naturally into Ellis’s daily life and her pregnancy journey, giving readers both representation and realism. It adds layers to Ellis’s character while highlighting a condition rarely given space in romance.

At its heart, this is a second-chance romance full of warmth, love, and emotional vulnerability. Liam’s steadfast devotion—not just to Ellis but also to her son—makes him a standout hero. Ellis’s guardedness could be frustrating, and her character growth sometimes felt restrained, but her resilience as a mother shone through. With a supportive cast and a heartfelt happily-ever-after, this book delivers an uplifting and emotionally rich read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 2 October 2025

A Lot To Unpack By Portia MacIntosh

It’s going to be a bumpy ride… 👀

Liberty’s just landed her dream job. The catch? It’s at Matcher, the dating app that ruined her life. After catching her boyfriend sending intimate pictures to everyone in a twenty mile radius, Liberty is struggling to get back into the dating game. Every man gives her the ick sooner or later.

Still, she’s having a great time travelling the world for work, until she’s assigned a secret mission: Travel to New York with her handsome and charming boss Jordan and swap out a contract from under his nose. It should be easy, but the more time Liberty spends with Jordan, the more she realises he might not be the bad boy she thought he was. But it turns out they’ve both got a lot to unpack, and Liberty still needs to complete her mission if she wants to keep her job – which means not breaking the one golden rule: do not fall for the boss!

Falling For Polkerran Point By Cass Grafton

Will she get a new start with an old love?

Ellie Arbon thought she left Polkerran Point behind her, for good. But when her cousin Nicki needs her help, Ellie has no choice but to return.

The cove stirs up memories Ellie would rather forget. Will Farmer left her years ago to pursue an acting career, and now he’s back.

Handsome and famous, Ellie is sure he’s all but forgotten her. Every encounter they have suggests otherwise – there’s an undeniable spark between them and old feelings return once more.

Ellie must decide whether she wants to fight for a future together, or whether Will is – and will always be – the one who got away.

Review Card & Book Review- What Not To Do On Vacation By Rachel Magee

Savannah is on a mission to reconnect the Prestly sisters the best way she knows how: reliving their carefree childhood summers at the beach. She’s booked the same beach house, convinced her sisters to take the month off, and even made a bucket list to fit in all their favorite coastal fun. It’s going to be perfect . . . or else. (And if planning this trip has anything to do with a certain secret she’s hiding . . . well, let’s not dwell on that.) Sun, sand, and some sisterly bonding–what could possibly go wrong?

Enter Bianca, the baby of the family, with a huge announcement: she’s getting married! And her sisters’ reactions are . . . not exactly what she hoped for. But Bianca is on a mission to prove that she’s not the mess they think she is. Her grand plan? To find love for Cora, her perpetually single sister, on the same dating app where she found her fiancé. The stakes? A bet that if Cora can’t find her ‘One’ on the app, Bianca will call off her engagement. A challenge Bianca is all too ready to tackle head-on, even if it means a little conniving. Cora’s about to get swept off her feet, whether she likes it or not!

Meanwhile, Cora is rolling her eyes so hard they might get stuck. Love is a fairy tale for other people, not her. As she’s filling out her dating profile, she thinks–nope, she knows–it’ll be easy to show her sisters just how absurd this whole love thing is. So what if this Jax guy Cora just matched with is Hemsworth-brother hot? And, if his messages could be believed, maybe even slightly charming? None of this is real, anyway–love just doesn’t come easily Cora. And she’s getting ready to prove it. She’s got this under control.

About The Author

My Review

This is a warm, heartfelt exploration of sisterhood, healing, and second chances. At its heart are three sisters—Cora, Savannah, and Bianca—who reunite at their family’s Cape Cod vacation home in hopes of reconnecting after years of distance. Each woman arrives carrying her own burdens—grief, health challenges, and life transitions—and their attempts to rebuild trust and closeness feel both authentic and deeply relatable.

Magee does a wonderful job balancing humor and emotion, weaving in lighthearted moments that had me laughing while also delivering poignant reflections that tugged at the heart. The sisters’ distinct personalities shine through, creating a dynamic and layered family portrait that many readers will see echoes of in their own lives.

This is not just a story about family struggles, but also about resilience, forgiveness, and rediscovering joy in unexpected places. With its heartfelt tone, charming setting, and emotionally resonant storytelling, What Not to Do on Vacation is a touching, character-driven read perfect for anyone who loves stories that celebrate the messy, beautiful bonds of family.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Lessons In Heartbreak By Karen Sorensen

It’s an unwritten rule somewhere: small-town librarians shall not commit spontaneous acts, for fear of mortal embarrassment. I’d certainly just proved it true, though hiring an escort was perfectly logical. How else should I overcome my fear of intimacy without risking heartbreak?

Unfortunately, what came next wasn’t so logical.

Instead of a dating coach, Griffin King showed up. Yes, that Griffin King: my childhood neighbor and now, to my dismay, an obscenely handsome pro football player. He’s not actually an escort, but how was I supposed to know that?

Avoiding him after the mix-up is impossible. The man is everywhere—put in time-out by his agent after a PR snafu. Griffin might be an outrageous flirt determined to torment me until I snap, but he’s also the perfect man to help me.

The lessons aren’t what I thought they’d be. Neither is Griffin. Every time we touch, every time he shows me a different side to myself—and to him—I can’t help but wonder if we’re about to break another rule: the playboy and the good girl aren’t supposed to fall in love.

About The Author

My Review

This is is a tender, slow-burn romance with a deeply emotional core and just the right balance of humor and heart. Ruby Tate, the rule-following librarian with a yearning for connection, makes an endearing heroine whose vulnerability and quiet strength resonate throughout. Her awkward but sincere attempts to understand intimacy are handled with care, making her growth feel honest and earned. The standout, however, is Griffin King—charismatic on the surface but carrying the weight of a carefully crafted persona. His emotional depth, especially in scenes where he opens up about identity and expectation, elevates the story. His unexpected love for period romances (and those swoon-worthy hand-flex moments) adds layers of softness and sensitivity that contrast beautifully with his public image. Their chemistry grows naturally, and the “dating lessons” trope is executed with charm. The rules they establish—and inevitably break—set up moments of romantic tension, heartfelt revelation, and genuine change for both characters. Though the ending is satisfying, readers may wish for more post-arrangement scenes to savor their fully realized relationship. Overall, it is a heartfelt and introspective romance that explores vulnerability, identity, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own story. A quietly powerful love story that lingers.

My Rating

Link to Purchase