February 2026 – Page 4

Review Card & Book Review – 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!

About The Author

My Review

This is a fun, feel-good rom-com that delivers humor, heart, and just the right splash of romance. The story follows Liberty, who thinks she’s landed her dream job at a popular dating app—until she discovers her ex, Jordan, is still tied to the company. Their rocky past collides with her very first assignment, which sends her undercover to New York, where proximity, unresolved chemistry, and complicated rules create chaos at every turn.

Liberty is an engaging heroine—funny, relatable, and easy to root for. Her awkward moments, quick wit, and vulnerability made her a delight to follow, while Jordan’s charm and confident charisma kept the sparks flying. The blend of tropes, including forced proximity and the “don’t fall for your boss” rule, keeps the narrative playful and entertaining.

Though some twists feel predictable and a few side characters are used mainly for comic relief, the overall experience is irresistibly lighthearted. With banter, awkward situations, and heartfelt moments, it is exactly the kind of escapist rom-com that will leave readers smiling until the very last page.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 14 February 2026

Love Ahoy! By Jo Lyons

Maddie Summers has never been the impulsive type. So taking a new job as a holiday rep in Turkey is way out of her comfort zone. Will embarking on a boat trip with a host of demanding passengers see her all at sea – literally?

But then there’s Jackson, the sexy Australian rep who she’s falling for, hook, line and sinker. Though any chance of romance is complicated by Maddie’s gift for chaos, the powerful family onboard ship (including their light-fingered five-year-old), and a supervisor with secrets he’ll do anything to keep hidden.

Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love?

Review Card & Book Review – Before You Say I Love You By Sarah Gate

Grief taught her how to survive.

Love could teach her how to live again.

Maddie Whittle is done with heartbreak — or so she tells herself. Six years after losing her beloved brother, she’s transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.

The work is hard, the stakes are high and Maddie has no time for distractions.

Until a runaway piglet from the local farm brings her face to face with James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.

Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more dangerous: hope.

As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined by love.

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender, slow-burn romance that captures both the ache of grief and the hope found in second chances. It’s the kind of story that lingers, blending heartache with warmth in a way that feels both cozy and deeply moving.

At the center is Maddie Whittle, who is still carrying the weight of her brother’s death six years later. Pouring her energy into transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat, she keeps her emotions tightly guarded. Her world shifts when a runaway piglet unexpectedly reconnects her with James Byron, a man from her past she’d rather forget. What begins as banter and conflict slowly evolves into a tender connection, challenging Maddie to lower her defenses and embrace the possibility of love again.

Gate’s writing shines in its heartfelt tone and emotional resonance. While some themes feel heavy-handed and the characters could have used more depth, the overall story is uplifting and beautifully written. For readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven romances, this is a heartfelt exploration of healing, resilience, and rediscovering joy after loss.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 13 February 2026

On Thin Ice By Kelly Jamieson

Marek’s world is on the ice, Nicki’s is on the stage. But their worlds collide in one steamy night in Vegas…🌶️

Marek

Playing for the New Jersey Storm I know how to handle the heat – on and off the ice. But nothing compares to Nicki Sullivan. We collided in Vegas: One wild night, no strings and a spark I couldn’t shake. We went our separate ways, but I never stopped thinking about her. When I see she’s involved in an accident that nearly takes her life, I drop everything and drive to New York. She’s broken, shaken… but still the woman who set my world alight. So I bring her home with me — to recover, to breathe… and maybe, to see if that spark between us still burns.

Nicki

After the accident, I can’t face the music — or the world. The last person I expect to show up is Marek — sinfully hot, too good to be real, and suddenly my rescuer. I should push him away. Instead, I let him take me to his apartment, where everything feels dangerously safe. But it’s not just comfort — it’s him. The heat between us is impossible to ignore and being with him feels right. But I can’t hide away forever. Falling for him is a risk because this time the ice beneath us may just crack.

Review Card & Book Review- Unyielding By Mary Sue Jackson

DECLAN

I’ve got one shot to prove I’m the right guy to take over the Poplar Springs vet clinic. No screw-ups. No distractions. Then Shannon Cafferty walks in. My best friend’s little sister isn’t so little anymore. She’s grown into a whip-smart, sharp-tongued knockout in boots and tight jeans—and she’s impossible to ignore. She needs help modernizing her operation. I need to win over the ranchers. Strictly business. Yeah, right. Every glance sparks. Every touch lingers too long. One kiss was supposed to get her out of my head. Instead, it lit a fuse. Now she’s all I want. But if I get this wrong, I won’t just lose her—I’ll break the one thing I was never supposed to touch.

SHANNON

The ranch is thriving under my brother’s leadership, and the trail riding program my sister handles is a huge success, but the horse breeding operation I run? It’s struggling. Badly. If I can’t turn things around, I’ll be letting the whole family down. Enter Declan Morris—my brother’s best friend, and the man I’ve secretly wanted for years. He offers help I can’t refuse. But being around him is dangerous. Every look pulls me in deeper, every touch threatens to burn through my defenses. Men don’t choose me. They never have. I’m the safe option. The one they lean on, not the one they fall for. So when he kisses me, it feels like a cruel kind of hope. And I refuse to fall for someone who might walk away.

About The Author

My Review

Mary Sue Jackson delivers a heartfelt small-town romance in Unyielding, blending passion, family legacy, and second chances into an engaging, drama-filled read.

Declan, a dedicated veterinarian, is determined to prove himself worthy of eventually taking over the practice when his mentor retires. Shannon, equally committed to honoring her grandmother and mother’s legacy through the family’s breeding program, finds herself facing unexpected setbacks after her younger sister’s costly mistake. With their shared history and undeniable attraction, Shannon leans on Declan for help—but keeping things professional quickly becomes impossible.

What begins as simmering tension soon erupts into passion, yet both struggle to balance their personal feelings with their professional responsibilities. Just when it seems they’ve found their footing, outside conflicts—including Shannon’s long-time nemesis—threaten to tear them apart. The resulting emotional turmoil forces both characters to confront their own mistakes and decide whether their relationship is worth fighting for.

With its slow-burn romance, realistic conflicts, and a warm cast of supporting characters, Unyielding is a captivating story of love, resilience, and forgiveness. Fans of small-town romance will find this one both passionate and satisfying.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 12 February 2026

Catch The Flame By Juliana Stone

I came to Fire Lake to outrun my past.

A broken-down car, an empty wallet and one loyal dog — that’s all I had when I stumbled into this small town I didn’t plan to stay in.

Then I met Gus Lawson.

Ex–Navy SEAL. Carpenter. Six-foot-five of trouble wrapped in muscle and quiet control. He’s the kind of man who can fix anything — except whatever’s broken inside him.

I tell myself I don’t care. But every time his gaze finds mine, my resolve cracks a little more.

His touch scorches. His kiss tastes like danger. And when he says my name, I forget every reason I ever had to run.

He’s not the kind of man you fall for — he’s the kind you burn for.

Love By The Book By Jessica George

This isn’t a romance. But it is about love.

Remy is lucky. Her three best friends have always been there for her – until the day that they’re not. One of them is moving to New York. One of them is pregnant. And one is busy with her (awful) boyfriend. Suddenly, their foursome is splitting – and it feels like a break-up.

Simone doesn’t need friends. The only people she needs are her family – but when they cut her off, she realises how alone she is.

When the pair meet in a bookshop, they don’t immediately click. But as life keeps throwing them together, they realise that they might just have bumped into exactly what they need… if they can only be brave enough to let each other in.

The Floating Venice Bookshop By Annabel French

Can a bookshop bring two hearts together?

Beth loves everything about living in Venice. The meandering canals and the cobbled streets have captured her heart, so when she loses her job and fears she’ll have to return to England, she’s devastated.

When she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, it seems like fate. Beth has always dreamed of opening a bookshop that combines her two passions: art and books. She just needs to be brave enough to take the leap.

Enter Marco, a gorgeous, passionate Venetian art promoter. Their chemistry is instant and electric, but Beth needs Marco’s local knowledge to launch her business and the last thing she wants is a distraction. However, as they work together, it becomes clear how hard it is to ignore the sparks flying between them.

The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose: should they face their fears and give love a chance? Or walk away forever?

A Wedding In Provence By Alison Roberts

In the golden light of Provence two fragile hearts are about to collide for a second time ☀️

Sophie Taylor has spent years creating dream weddings under the Provençal sun, pouring love into every detail—except her own heart. After losing her fiancé in a tragic accident, she rebuilt her life from the ruins, turning heartbreak into beauty for others. She never expected him to walk back into it.

Luc Moreau, the man behind the lens and the one mistake she’s never forgiven. Returning under the guise of Le Phénix, the world-famous but reclusive photographer. – he’s the last person she wants to see—yet the only man who ever truly saw her.

Forced to work together at a fairytale château, Sophie and Luc find themselves revisiting the past they buried. And against the backdrop of the South of France, memories resurface, truths unravel, and the spark they once denied begins to reignite. But when Luc’s secret identity—and their shared history—are exposed, Sophie must choose: Sophie must choose: protect the life she’s built or fight for the love of her life.

I Will Always Love You (Maybe) By Dana Hawkins

What’s worse than regretting a one-night stand? Being snowed in with her.

Since losing her wife six years ago, Colby has perfected the hermit lifestyle: secluded Minnesota cabin, golden retriever, weekly cupcake run. Zero complications. Until a chaotic, pink-haired vet tech arrives for a house call and—in one reckless moment—Colby lets someone in.

It was supposed to be one night. Then the blizzard hit.

Josie is a serial hobbyist who’s perfected the art of avoiding rejection. Pilates, painting, pickleball—anything but feelings. So being trapped in a cabin with no distractions and a gorgeous woman who clearly regrets last night? Personal nightmare.

But a lot can happen in a week. Stolen glances turn into lingering eye contact. Awkward silences become late-night conversations. And when the snow stops, both of them have to face the question they’ve been avoiding: what if the biggest risk isn’t opening your heart to someone, it’s letting her walk away when the roads finally clear?

Review Card & Book Review- Cooking Up A Christmas Storm By Amelia Berry

Can you find love if you can’t be yourself?

Jodie Simpson’s life is falling apart.

She’s been dumped by her girlfriend, Gemma, lost her job and is about to be kicked out of her flat. When she mistakenly opens a letter addressed to Gemma and finds a job offer to work at the Highland Cookery School, she makes a momentary decision that will change her life forever.

Jodie heads to the Scottish Highlands to begin her new job – as Gemma. But it all starts to work a little too well, and she finds herself loving her new life at the cookery school. As the snow starts to settle and the festive magic cast its spell, she finds herself falling for Pavel, the estate caretaker.

But Jodie cannot keep up her fake identity forever and a storm is brewing.

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful, heartwarming festive romance that whisks readers straight into the magic of the Scottish Highlands. Richly atmospheric and brimming with holiday charm, it’s as cozy as a fireside gathering and as flavorful as the dishes it lovingly describes.

Berry’s talent for description shines, especially in the culinary details that make the story feel both immersive and mouthwatering. From traditional Scottish celebrations like Hogmanay to discovering unique dishes such as Makowiec, the book feels like both a romance and a cultural journey.

At its heart are Pavel and Jodie, two characters whose imperfections and authenticity make them feel refreshingly real. Pavel, steady and quietly magnetic, is a romantic lead who captivates without relying on stereotypes, while Jodie’s imperfectly perfect nature makes her deeply relatable. Their connection grows with sincerity, warmth, and just the right amount of festive sparkle.

More than a holiday romance, this novel celebrates healing, connection, and the beauty of unexpected joys. Original, charming, and brimming with heart, Cooking Up a Christmas Storm is a perfect seasonal read for those who crave both comfort and inspiration.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 11 February 2026

One In A Million By Della Galton

One woman’s journey to wrestle with her past and find happiness 🗝️

Sarah-Jane Crosse, SJ to her friends, is desperate to avoid going to her parents’ ruby wedding anniversary party. She’s terrified of introducing her new husband, Tom, to her estranged sister, Alison, because the sisters have history. Alison covets everything that belongs to SJ.

With her anxiety spiralling, SJ knows she often has a couple of glasses of wine too many and after a disastrously drunken night she reaches out for help. However, sadly help does not begin at home. Tom is not supportive. Seemingly in denial he misses SJ’s distress calls, and SJ begins to second-guess herself.
Everyone drinks, right?
It’s hardly a massive problem?
She’s perfectly fine, isn’t she?

Meanwhile, her very supportive best friend, Tania, has a surprising secret and SJ is determined to help her out. But navigating through this lot isn’t easy.

With the help of an ever-faithful dog, a few reformed characters, and a lot of self-reflection and home truths, the future is looking a whole lot brighter for SJ and the statistics speak for themselves – she is one in a million…

Review Card & Book Review- Christmas In Port Berry By K.T. Dady

Welcome to Port Berry, where love, second chances and Christmas miracles are just around the corner.

Alice Dipple is determined to make her first Christmas running Port Berry’s Seaview B&B a success.

But when her childhood best friend, Jamie Stark, unexpectedly returns after years away, the Christmas season suddenly feels a little brighter — and a lot more complicated.

Jamie was once the love of Alice’s life, until a dreadful mistake tore them apart. He’s returned to Port Berry for a fresh start, but didn’t expect to bump into the woman he once lost. The only woman he has ever loved.

Alice is determined to focus on her business, but Jamie is intent on proving he’s changed and deserves a second chance.

With the streets of Port Berry covered in snow, and the town preparing for a festive wedding, both Alice and Jamie are forced to confront their past mistakes and the possibility that the love they once had might still be there.

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming tale of second chances, resilience, and the healing power of community. At its core is the story of Alice Dipple and Jamie Stark, childhood friends whose lives took them in different directions until fate reunites them in the welcoming town of Port Berry. Their journey is one of forgiveness, self-belief, and writing new chapters, both in love and in life.

What makes this installment particularly moving is the way Dady tackles real-life struggles with authenticity and compassion. Alice’s battle with fibromyalgia, alongside the wider challenges of family tensions and personal hardships, is handled with sensitivity, giving the story both emotional depth and relatability. Through it all, Port Berry shines as a place of kindness, encouragement, and support, embodying the very best of small-town charm.

Dady’s ability to weave themes of mental health, addiction, and personal growth into her festive romances makes each book in this series feel both comforting and profound. Uplifting, tender, and inspiring, Christmas in Port Berry is a touching reminder that hope and love can flourish even in life’s most difficult seasons.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 10 February 2026

The Diamond Puck-Up By Lauren Landish

NHL enforcer Griffin Mahoney has spent years protecting his team on the ice—and his heart off it. The one woman who makes his stone-cold exterior melt? His best friend’s sister, Penny Lee. But when a stolen ring entangles her with the Mob, Griffin’s protective instincts override his promise to stay away.

As a custom jewelry designer, Penny transforms family heirlooms into modern treasures. She’s always thought her brother’s best friend was grumpier than a bear with a hangover—until she discovers the brooding hockey player’s hidden soft side. Their undeniable chemistry catches them both off guard, even as danger circles closer.

With Stanley Cup playoffs looming, Mob threats escalating, and her overprotective brother ready to cross-check them both into the next season, Griffin and Penny’s path to happiness is anything but smooth. Together they’ll discover that true love, like diamonds, can withstand any pressure—and shine even brighter for it.

Secretly Yours By Katie Talbot

Seven years ago, Paul Easton broke my heart. We were inseparable—until one humiliating yearbook photo and one terrible night blew everything up.

Now he’s a superstar, and his gorgeous face is everywhere. On movie posters. On talk shows. On my nerves. As for me? I’m a New York City journalist, and I’m thriving, in case anyone’s keeping score.

So when I land the assignment to write an exposé on him, I say yes. Not to reconnect. To show him how much better off I am without him.

At first, everything goes according to plan. I’m detached and professional.

Until he smiles.
Until his dog decides to adopt me.
Until we stumble into a long-buried Civil War-era mystery . . . and start solving it together.

Now I’m trying to write the story that could make my career—while pretending I’m not still hopelessly in love with the boy who taught me what heartbreak feels like.

This was supposed to be revenge.
Instead, it might just be my second chance.

I’m Looking For A Man In Finance By Sabrina Waldorf

Sparks fly when a journalist seeking the most eligible man on Wall Street goes head-to-head with the finance bro determined to get in her way.

Journalist Hallie Woods has a new assignment: date the hottest guy on Wall Street and document every moment for the magazine she works for. The only problem? Finance bros couldn’t be further from Hallie’s type.

But as Hallie reluctantly flirts her way through the Financial District, there’s one annoyingly handsome 6′5″, blue-eyed man who keeps getting in her way.

James Rossi is a typical finance bro on paper but a hopeless romantic at heart. After being burned by an ex-girlfriend who used him for his money, he’s also fiercely protective of himself and his friends. So when he realizes the new regular at his favorite bar is flirting with his colleagues as fodder for an article, he decides to sabotage her plans.

Hallie and James clash at happy hour every week. But soon their dislike for each other turns into something unexpected, and Hallie questions whether she wants her personal life spread across the pages of a magazine.

Hallie might have found her man in finance, but she also has a choice to make: publish the article or risk her career and invest in true love.

The Cherry Crush Flower Shop By Harper Graham

Zoe Hart is right where she belongs: in her cozy Maple Falls flower shop with her cat Whiskers. But her oldest friend (and secret crush) Jackson is back in their small town too. And most of all, she longs to be in his strong arms. So when her hopelessly romantic mom bets on them being Couple of the Year at the Spring Festival, Zoe finds herself fake-dating the friend-zoned guy she’s always wanted…

When Jackson returns from military service, even working on his llama sanctuary can’t

heal him. But Zoe is the only person who can truly make him smile. He’d do anything for her… even pretend to be dating for the Spring Festival. There’s nothing fake about his feelings as he crushes his lips to hers. But there’s no way she’d really want a broken man like him, would she?

All eyes are on them as the town prepares to vote for Couple of the Year. But when a hidden wildflower meadow becomes their escape, real passion blooms amid falling cherry blossom. Will the magic of spring turn their make-believe romance into true love forever?

Love’s Match By Judith Keim

It takes more than love to make a match…

After clashing with the principal of the middle-grade school where she teaches, Hazel Belmont is happy to accept the offer of a job at the town’s new sports center, owned by Ross Roberts and Mike Dawson, a tennis pro who’s semi-retired and teaches tennis at the center. When Hazel notices a young boy named Jed hanging around the tennis courts, she befriends him, and she and Mike discover that he has real talent. They speak to his foster mother and get her approval for Jed to continue free lessons. Hazel is forced to lie to her mother about having a boyfriend, Mike, to keep from meeting a young man at home. Mike agrees to go along with the idea. She and Mike arrange to foster Jed when his family has to move out of state, and discover that love can make more than one match.

A spinoff book from the Lilac Lake Inn series, a sweet second-chance, small-town romance. Another of Judith Keim’s books with strong women facing challenges and finding love and happiness along the way.