April 22, 2026 – My Sanctuary

The Irish Cottage By The Sea By Clodagh Murphy

A fresh start by the Irish coast – and a second chance at love where she least expects it…

When single mum Lou moves from the chaos of Dublin to a forgotten seaside cottage in Dingle, she hopes for a calmer life for her son, Jack – a place where he can grow up surrounded by the warmth of a small community.

But village life isn’t without its challenges. The cottage needs work and Lou needs a job, but at least Jack quickly makes friends – including Bo, the spirited daughter of Aidan, the head chef of the restaurant where Lou eventually finds work. Aidan is serious, skilled, and a little distant, yet there’s something about him Lou is drawn to.

Lou is firm in her decision not to get involved with anyone, not after the heartache Jack’s father caused them both. But as Lou and Aidan grow closer, they may just discover what matters most: family, community, and the unexpected joys of opening your heart again.

Is she his ruin…
or his redemption?

Jovi D’Amato doesn’t show mercy. He is ice-cold, ruthless and relentless. He is the deadly weapon of the Il Serpente crime syndicate, forged in the brutal aftermath of his family’s murder. Then he’s sent to kidnap Ruxandra Ardelean. In a single heartbeat she detonates his entire existence…

Salvation isn’t something Rux thought possible until Jovi takes her prisoner. The dangerous Sicilian should terrify her. Instead, he thrills her. She comes alive under his shamelessly sinful touch. Though for Jovi to make her his, he’ll have to burn his whole world down…

About The Author

My Review

This is a dark, emotionally charged romance that blends danger, fatalism, and unexpected tenderness. Jovi, a lethal enforcer molded by his ruthless uncle, is sent to kill Rux—a woman who has spent her life waiting to be traded or destroyed for power. What makes their first meeting unforgettable is Rux’s eerie calm; she greets her would-be killer with resignation rather than fear, sparking sharp banter and instant intrigue.

Crews excels at pairing two characters who mirror each other’s emotional imprisonment. Rux has long accepted her lack of agency, while Jovi has been weaponized by grief and manipulation. As their connection deepens, Jovi’s threats grow hollow, replaced by a fierce desire to make Rux choose life—and love. Their escape to Sicily provides a quieter, more intimate interlude, rich with longing and fragile hope, even as danger looms.

The romance unfolds with intensity and urgency, driven by the inevitability of Antonio’s pursuit. While steeped in dark tropes, the story ultimately shines in its exploration of choice, healing, and defiance. Fans of high-stakes, emotionally resonant romances will find this a compelling and satisfying read.

My Rating