November 28, 2025 – My Sanctuary

The Rules of the Bachelor Pact – Never stay the night…

Parker

All I ever wanted was to be part of a family. But that’s what I have found in The Bachelor Pact.That’s why I’ve moved into the Heritage Hill Inn in Cedar Falls. To help with the renovations and plan my next move. I wasn’t looking to meet anyone, but sometimes people are meant to show up in your life I guess. Delaney is everything I didn’t know I was looking for. But I made a promise to the guys…Never stay the night.

Delaney

I should know better than to fall for the dirty-talking confirmed bachelor Parker. But no one said anything about getting stuck in a cozy, snowbound log cabin together and indulging in a scorching, no-strings fling! Parker Scott may have a reputation as “the nice guy,” but he’s also a ruggedly sexy commitment-phobe who does more than just sweet-talking! So despite the sizzling chemistry crackling between us, I don’t take his flirty innuendos too seriously. And that suits me fine, I’ve sworn off relationships for good. But everything changed that weekend. Now I’m hopelessly addicted to Parker’s unique mix of tenderness and sin. Was this eternal bachelor perhaps not so sworn to the pact after all?

About The Author

My Review

Set in the charming small town of Cedar Falls, Desired Hearts follows Parker, a lifelong resident and member of the Batchelor Pact—a group of men who’ve vowed to remain single after witnessing the heartbreak caused by unfaithful fathers. Enter Delaney, a newcomer to town and a pharmacist trying to rebuild her life after being hurt by love more than once.

Though Parker and Delaney have mutual friends, it takes time before their paths cross. When they finally meet, there’s an undeniable spark—but both carry the weight of past heartbreaks that keep them guarded. It’s only during a group ski trip that they begin to consider that maybe love is still worth the risk.

While I appreciated the premise and enjoyed the cozy small-town atmosphere, I found the pacing of Parker and Delaney’s relationship a little jarring—the shift from friends to something more felt too sudden to be entirely convincing. That said, I liked that both characters had personal dreams and ambitions beyond their romance, which added depth to their individual journeys. Overall, this is a sweet, slightly steamy story that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy small-town romance with themes of emotional healing and second chances.

My Rating

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New beginnings. Old wounds. And a village with its own secret to happiness. . . ✨🦋

The peaceful village of Willowbrook seems to be the ideal place for a new lease of life – at least according to Nell’s husband, Barney. With an empty nest and coming towards retirement, he’s persuaded her to try country living. Their cottage even has an annexe that’s perfect for Barney’s widowed father, Frank.

Nell is less sure about this fresh start… and it’s not long before cracks in her thirty-year marriage begin to appear. Instead of spending more time together, she and Barney seem to be drifting apart. Frank, too, is unsettled.

A weekly community group exploring the secret of happiness provides a way for Nell and her father-in-law to navigate their new surroundings. Nell finds some friends, and Frank is quickly taken in hand by the neighbourhood matriarchs – the self-styled ‘Saga Louts’!

But will questioning what makes her happy push Nell even further away from Barney, especially when she discovers the secrets her husband has been keeping? Or can opening up to others help old wounds heal and bring them back together once more? What really is the secret to happiness?

About The Author

My Review

Living The Good Life is a warm, uplifting tale about change, family, and second chances. When Nell, her husband Barney, and his grieving father Frank relocate to the countryside, each brings emotional baggage and uncertainty. While Barney is all-in on their fresh start, Nell and Frank are more hesitant—but soon, the charm of rural life and the support of new friendships begin to work their magic.

Nell and Barney’s rekindled connection is particularly touching, as they rediscover their spark with the energy of teenagers. Frank’s journey through grief, and his evolving relationship with Nell, is both heartwarming and realistic. The humor, especially in interactions between Frank and the witty Beryl, adds levity and charm.

The novel tackles relatable, real-life issues with sensitivity and insight, making it not just a comforting escape, but also a thoughtful read. The characters feel like friends by the end—endearing, flawed, and deeply human. A delightful and moving story about finding joy in unexpected places.

My Rating