Monthly Archives: February 2026

Review Card & Book Review – Anyone But You By Olivia Spring

They say opposites attract… right?

Ex-rock star Jake used to have it all. But a fall from grace has left him with a career in tatters. Trying to salvage his reputation, his agent suggests a trip to sunny California’s brand new five-star Love Hotel. The plan is to instigate a fake whirlwind social media romance to reignite his star power. Simple. Except, Jake barely knows how to use a hashtag. And he’s definitely not looking for love.

Looking for a second chance at finding true love, Halle has categorically sworn off musicians and social media after a painful break-up. So, when matched with notorious bad boy Jake, they’re a dating disaster waiting to happen, right?

Jake’s here for the clicks. Halle is craving a connection. ¬ Except the Love Hotel’s matchmaking team are the experts for a reason. And after two weeks of forced proximity in paradise, Halle and Jake discover that the pairing which at first seemed so wrong starts to feel so right…

About The Author

My Review

Olivia Spring delivers a delightful, feel-good romance in Anyone But You, packed with laughter, heart, and irresistible chemistry. Halle and Jack are an absolute joy to root for—two broken souls who rediscover themselves and fall in love in the most genuine, hilarious, and heartwarming way. Halle’s journey from self-doubt to confidence after a toxic relationship is beautifully written, while Jack’s quiet strength and vulnerability make him the ultimate book boyfriend. Their banter is sparkling, their connection undeniable, and their emotional growth deeply satisfying.

Spring balances humor, tenderness, and heat perfectly—those spicy scenes are creative, fun, and brimming with chemistry. Fans will love the cameos from Sammie and Romeo, which add an extra touch of familiarity and warmth. The ending, complete with poetic justice for Halle’s awful ex, is both funny and triumphant.

What truly makes this story shine is its authenticity—two imperfect people choosing to love each other exactly as they are. Anyone But You is romantic, uplifting, and endlessly entertaining. A perfect pick-me-up for anyone craving laughter, love, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 27 February 2026

Regret This Later By Olivia Spring

He’s forbidden. She knows better. But The Love Hotel Paris has other plans…🤭

Single mum Laila is officially an empty nester. But her social life’s flatter than a crêpe, and her love life? Non-existent. So when her best friend signs her up to The Love Hotel, Paris’s hottest matchmaking retreat, Laila knows it’s rude to say no!

Laila cannot wait to see the city of her dreams – and the added promise of a holiday romance. Until she discovers her “perfect match” is Gabriel—her best friend’s twenty-seven-year-old son. She hasn’t seen him in years, and now he’s all man… Broader. Infuriatingly good-looking. And absolutely, one hundred per cent off-limits.

Laila knows better. But her connection with secret tech millionaire, Gabriel is undeniable. And as the days melt into nights filled with electric glances, near-miss kisses, and one unforgettable moment under the Paris lights, resistance becomes impossible. Will Laila walk away before her heart and friendship are destroyed? Or will she fall for the one man she can never have and worry about the consequences later?

Review Card & Book Review – Playing For Possession By Sasha Lace

“You don’t have to follow other people’s rules all the time.”

“And you don’t have to break them all the time either.”

Joanie

People assume Joanie’s a nepo baby, but they have no idea how hard she’s worked to get back on the pitch after injury.

She just wants to play football. The last thing she needs is to film an ad in Menorca with Kieran Earnshaw, the men’s team bad boy. Kieran is gorgeous, though—and he seems different with her. Maybe it’s time this good girl finally experimented with her wild side…?

Kieran

Joanie’s dad is on the board. He’s warned Kieran off his daughter, but wants him to watch out for her on their trip. He can get Kieran on the England squad, his lifelong dream, so he’ll have to play by the rules—just this once. Quiet Joanie likes to stay in the background. But Kieran’s realized anyone overlooking this woman is making a mistake. She’s the total package, beautiful inside and out. He knows what he wants on and off the pitch—and he always plays to win. He’s risking everything, but sometimes opposites attract. And together, he reckons they could rewrite the whole rulebook…

About The Author

My Review

Sasha Lace delivers another knockout in her sports romance series with Playing for Possession—a heartfelt, fiery, and deeply human story that goes far beyond the pitch. Joanie and Kieran, two fiercely talented footballers burdened by the shadows of their fathers’ legacies, are flawed yet utterly captivating. Joanie’s struggle with injury, self-worth, and public perception is portrayed with remarkable honesty, while Kieran’s quiet strength and fierce loyalty to his brother add layers of tenderness beneath his tough exterior.

Their forced collaboration on a commercial in Spain sparks a chemistry that’s both slow-burning and scorching—Lace’s trademark blend of humor and heat shines through, particularly in the hilarious “reading” scene that turns deliciously steamy. Beyond the romance, the story explores healing, identity, and forgiveness with sensitivity and realism.

The supporting cast—especially Joanie’s father, Mortimer Fox, and Kieran’s brother, Jack—add emotional richness and depth. Lace captures the messiness of family, fame, and redemption with grace. This is a moving tale of second chances, personal growth, and love that dares to look beneath the surface. A beautifully written, emotionally rewarding read with a perfect happily ever after.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Home This Christmas By Sue Roberts

Childhood sweethearts. Second chances. And one magical Christmas…

Since chef Ruby left to chase her dreams in London and her family moved away, she’s not had reason to visit her tiny hometown… Until she’s invited to judge the charity gingerbread competition over the holidays, raising money for the local library where Ruby once loved getting cosy. But there’s Christmas mischief at work… Because her ex, Nathan, is a gingerbread judge too.

He is broodier than she remembers, and twice as handsome. Ruby’s pulse races every time their hands brush reaching for the freshly baked treats. And when their eyes meet at the prize giving, it’s even harder to remember all the reasons she left.

Ruby can’t resist staying long enough to raise more awareness for the library charity. Then snowfall traps her in the village. As the fairy lights twinkle and carollers sing, she can’t seem to escape Nathan, and his broody exterior starts to crack… Is the magic of Christmas giving them a second chance?

But Ruby must get back to London for Christmas Day for work. Faced with saying another goodbye, she isn’t sure she wants to…

About The Author

My Review

This is the literary equivalent of a crackling fire and a mug of mulled wine—cosy, heartwarming, and perfectly festive. Sue Roberts delivers a delightful tale of love rekindled in a snow-dusted English village that feels straight out of a Christmas card.

Ruby, a talented London chef nursing a bruised heart, reluctantly returns home to judge a local gingerbread competition. The twist? Her fellow judge is Nathan, her ex-boyfriend, who’s as charming—and as hurt—as ever. What follows is a flurry of witty exchanges, simmering tension, and one hilariously icy mishap that reignites old sparks.

Roberts excels at capturing the warmth of small-town life and the magic of forgiveness. The story blends humour, nostalgia, and just the right dose of romantic tension. While the plot hits familiar beats, the characters and setting make it irresistibly comforting.

Sweet, sparkling, and sprinkled with cinnamon-scented charm, Home This Christmas is a must-read for anyone who loves second chances, festive baking, and feel-good holiday romance. A cosy escape best enjoyed with a blanket and a mince pie.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 26 February 2026

The Island Retreat By Cathy Kelly

Six guests. One week to uncover their secrets.

Rose Talisman is pinning it all on a fresh start.

Five years after her career as a therapist ended in one catastrophic instant, she is opening a retreat in Corfu. The understated, luxurious Villa Artemis is surrounded by wild pines and sea views.

Just six guests. One week. Time for Rose to help them face their secrets – and move forwards.

But Rose has staked everything on the retreat. It has to work – or she loses it all. And people’s secrets have a way of revealing themselves in ways no one expected.

Nobody’s past is staying hidden for long…

The Italian Lakes Affair By Rachel Barnett

A glamorous escape. An irresistable attraction.

Amy’s life runs like clockwork – as personal assistant to a notoriously sharp-tongued celebrity food critic, she’s used to managing chaos without ever creating any of her own. But everything changes when she’s sent to a prestigious Italian cookery school and meets Tad, the enigmatic and quietly brilliant head chef running the show.

As sparks fly in the kitchen, Amy finds herself drawn into a world far removed from the one she’s always known. But with her demanding boss determined to be the centre of attention – and possibly Tad’s too – Amy must decide if she’s ready to step out from behind the scenes and take a chance on love.

Review Card & Book Review- Dreams Come True At The Fairytale Museum By Jaimie Admans

A place where dreams come true…

Lissa’s heart belongs to the Colours of the Wind museum, a charming haven where fairytale artifacts whisper tales of old. But her quiet magic is shattered when a sleek real estate firm buys the building, threatening to demolish her beloved museum. Lissa is devastated and ready to fight.

Enter Warren Berrington, the infuriatingly handsome developer whose modern vision clashes with her quirky world. He talks budgets; she dreams of wishing wells. Yet, Warren offers a lifeline: three months to save the museum, and despite their fiery arguments, a curious spark ignites between them.

Then, true enchantment begins. Spinning wheels whir, glass slippers vanish, and enchanted objects embark on whimsical adventures, making the museum an overnight sensation. Lissa dares to hope her dreams are finally within reach.

But she can’t shake the feeling Warren is playing games. Could he be orchestrating events for a clever ploy, or is Ever After Street weaving a new fairytale, one that might just involve her heart?

About The Author

My Review

Jaimie Admans once again works her magic with a story that’s as heartwarming as it is whimsical. Set in the enchanting Fairytale Museum, the book brims with charm — from glittering exhibits to a touch of real-life wonder.

Lissa, a dreamer who believes in happily ever afters, finds herself clashing with Warren, a down-to-earth developer who sees the museum as a business venture rather than a magical haven. Their opposites-attract dynamic sparks plenty of tension, laughter, and slow-burn chemistry that feels both fun and genuine.

Admans shines at crafting lovable characters and emotional growth, weaving in themes of believing in yourself, finding purpose, and rediscovering magic in everyday life. While the pacing drags slightly in places and the whimsical tone sometimes outweighs deeper emotion, it’s still a delightful escape.

As the final book in the Ever After Street series, it offers a satisfying, fairytale-worthy conclusion filled with hope, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 25 February 2026

The Child We Lost By Sheila Norton

What would you do if your lost child came back…

She pouts, looking upset, and I want nothing more than to kiss her better and say ‘All right then, yes. Perhaps he can come back, perhaps he will, perhaps he has!’ But I can’t. I know I can’t lie to her about this…

The day we lost Josh, a part of me broke. He was only three-and-a-half years old. His twin, Ruby, suddenly an only child.

We thought we were doing as well as expected. But when Ruby comes to me and says she saw Josh – alive – I assume she’s struggling more than we realised. It’s her way of holding on. Of refusing to let go.

But then I see him too.

A boy with Josh’s same pale blue eyes, the silvery-white hair that falls across his forehead in exactly the same way. It’s more than a similarity. This boy could be Josh’s twin.

How can that be possible?

I know I have to listen to my rational brain, that this must be my grief messing with my mind. But I can’t let go of the feeling that something is going on. Who is this boy? And does someone know more than they’re letting on?

Review Card & Book Review – The Old Gal’s Bucket List By Karen King

It’s been eight months since Sandra lost her beloved husband, and she knows something has to change. Her son wants her to sell up her home and move into a retirement apartment, close to him. But she doesn’t feel ready for that yet.

Then she bumps into her old friend Patti, heading off to get her first tattoo. Patti explains she’s beaten cancer and now she’s ready to make every second count… And – sitting down for a cuppa and a slice of cake – the women land on the perfect idea – a bucket list!

As they set out to fulfil dreams, overcome fears, and have the adventure of their lives, their lives intertwine with others who feel the same, including Mary and her anxious husband…

If anyone can help them live their best lives… it’s the old gals!

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming and life-affirming tale that reminds readers it’s never too late to embrace adventure. Recently widowed, Sandra is still finding her footing when her well-meaning son encourages her to move closer to his new job in Cambridge. Feeling pressured and unsettled, Sandra longs for something that’s truly her own. A chance reunion with Patti, a vivacious old colleague with fiery red hair, sparks exactly that.

What begins as a simple shopping trip soon grows into a cherished friendship as the women reconnect like no time has passed. Together, they create a bucket list of experiences to tackle—some bold, some simple, but all transformative. Through laughter, companionship, and shared courage, Sandra learns that life isn’t about slowing down with age but about making the most of every moment.

Karen King’s storytelling is warm, humorous, and wonderfully relatable, celebrating female friendship, resilience, and joy in later life. With charming characters and an uplifting message, this is the perfect feel-good read for anyone who believes that adventure doesn’t come with an expiration date.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- A New Life In Amsterdam By Helga Jensen

Could down-sizing her life mean up-sizing her dreams?

Since her daughter grew up and left home, Sandy has found herself filling her house with things – impulse purchases that she just has to have but that quickly lose their sheen. Why would she need an expensive set of copper pans when she has no one to cook for?

Realising that her shopping habit is out of control, she asks herself: can she de-clutter, downsize and start a new life?

She has always wanted to live on a barge, and she reasons that there is no way she would have room for random purchases on a boat. Taking the bravest decision of her life, Sandy buys and refurbishes a barge in the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

Relishing her independence, she is not looking for love, but as the nights draw in and the leaves start to fall from the trees, she finds herself drawn to cafe owner and expert hot chocolate maker Abe.

Is she willing to take a second chance on finding the one?

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming, uplifting tale about fresh starts, second chances, and the courage it takes to reinvent your life. Sandy’s marriage has ended amicably, her daughter has moved to Australia, and she suddenly finds herself at a crossroads. In a bold leap, she downsizes her belongings—and her compulsive shopping habit—and buys a houseboat in Amsterdam without even viewing it first. What follows is a warm, witty journey of self-discovery, renovation, and resilience.

Jensen captures both the humor and heart of Sandy’s adventure beautifully. From the cultural quirks of Dutch life to the challenges of transforming her rundown houseboat, every detail immerses the reader in her new world. Alongside the practical struggles of settling into another country, Sandy also begins to rediscover joy—through unexpected friendships, her blossoming confidence, and a slow-burn connection with Abe, her charming neighbor.

What makes the novel shine is its celebration of life beyond midlife: Sandy’s journey proves that menopause and age are no barrier to chasing happiness. Heartfelt, empowering, and delightfully escapist, it is perfect for anyone dreaming of starting over.

My Rating

Link To Purchase