May 2026 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – We Never Have Sex Any More By Julia Jones

Lottie and Theo have it all – except it.

Lottie and Theo are definitely happily married: deeply in love, beautiful house, two adorable puppies… except that after seven years together, the only action they’re having in the bedroom is Netflix marathons. Why has every night become ‘not tonight’?

Frustrated in more ways than one, Lottie drunkenly calls in to her favourite podcast (The Cliterati) to let off some steam. But her anonymous rant goes viral, with thousands of women replying with tales of their own long-term relationships going limp and floppy.

Now everyone is trying to unmask the ‘horny wife’, the podcast agency make Lottie an offer which could change her life. The only problem is… Lottie still hasn’t told Theo about her confession. How on earth can Lottie admit to her husband that they could be famous – for being sexless?

About The Author

My Review

This is funny, heartbreaking, cringe-inducing, and ultimately uplifting. I was completely riveted by Lottie’s story and felt deeply connected to her from the very first page. Julia Jones captures, with painful honesty, the quiet loneliness that can grow inside long-term relationships when communication and intimacy fade.

Lottie is not a villain but a deeply human, misguided woman trying—often clumsily—to fix something she loves. The novel brilliantly explores how terrifying difficult conversations can be, and how easy it is for couples like Lottie and Theo to bury their heads in the sand rather than face uncomfortable truths. That avoidance felt painfully real.

The moment Lottie realises she has accidentally sent her confession to a well-known podcast is both mortifying and compelling. Watching her spiral further while still not talking to Theo made my heart ache, even as I cringed for her. Thankfully, her best friend Caro is a standout—warm, blunt, and fiercely supportive. I adored her and would happily read an entire book about her life.

Beautifully written and emotionally resonant, this novel feels authentic, compassionate, and deeply relatable, with a satisfying and hopeful ending.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- The Girl With Nowhere To Go By Louise Guy

In your own darkest hour, would you help a child in need?

When a teenage girl with haunted eyes enters Bec’s world, she stirs something in Bec she thought she’d buried long ago.

Still reeling from the loss of her husband, Bec is barely keeping her life together. But there’s something about Skye, motherless, wary and alone, that reaches into the shadows of Bec’s past. Twenty years ago, she was that lost girl, grieving her twin brother and cut off from her parents after one terrible night. Now, with the threat of those same parents re-entering her life, Bec makes an impulsive decision: she offers Skye food, shelter and the promise of help.

When Bec’s search for help brings Anna into their world, the connection feels almost fated. Anna has demons of her own. A past she’s fought to bury and a brother’s name she’s desperate to clear.

Both women believe they know what’s best for Skye. But as past and present collide, each will be forced to face truths they thought they’d left behind.

About The Author

My Review

This is an emotionally rich, multi-layered story about grief, fractured families, and the quiet power of chosen connections.

The novel weaves together three compelling perspectives. Anna has buried the pain of losing her brother so deeply it has become a closed chapter in her life. Bec, on the other hand, is shaped by loss—her twin brother, her boyfriend, and later her husband, Owen. Estranged from her parents and raising her twins alone in Sydney, her children are her anchor. When they move back to Melbourne, her daughter’s determination to uncover the truth about the grandparents she’s never met forces old wounds to the surface.

Then there’s Skye, a heartbreaking and unforgettable sixteen-year-old whose mother dies from cancer, leaving her alone and briefly lost to the foster system. Through Bec’s work, their paths cross, and Skye’s story gently intertwines with both Anna’s and Bec’s. What follows is a beautifully handled exploration of friendship, found family, and healing across generations.

The plot is filled with unexpected turns, yet never feels contrived. Guy’s writing is compassionate, absorbing, and impossible to put down. A deeply moving read, perfectly matched by its striking cover.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 20 May 2026

The Villa Of Secrets By Emma Burstall

Can a stay at a magical villa help her find her way to start again?

When Cleo arrives at Villa Ariadne on the sun-drenched island of Crete, she’s hoping for space to breathe – and perhaps some clarity about the life she no longer recognises. Newly divorced and estranged from one of her children, she’s not sure what comes next.

Sharing the villa with a small group of women, each carrying their own private heartaches, Cleo is drawn into the gentle rhythm of island life. Beneath the lemon trees and endless blue skies, friendships begin to form and long-buried hopes stir.

But when an unexpected event shakes their peaceful escape, the women are forced to come together in ways none of them anticipated. And as Villa Ariadne works its quiet magic once more, Cleo may discover that even in uncertainty, second chances are still possible.

Review Card & Book Review- Maid For The Italian By Cathy Williams

She’s cleaning his house…

and cleaning up his reputation!

When maid Georgie finds herself homeless, she seeks refuge in the luxury chalet that she cleans. But its owner, tycoon Alessandro Barbieri, unexpectedly returns, and Georgie is wholly unprepared for her reaction to him…

Alessandro is in Whistler to secure custody of his beloved daughter. His image must be purer than the driven snow outside! Finding an unknown woman in his home is unacceptable, no matter their instant attraction. The only solution? Pretend they’re in love! They just need to remember the clock will strike midnight on their fake relationship…

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming, fast-paced romance built on a classic forced-proximity and fake-relationship setup that delivers plenty of humor, heart, and emotional tension.

Georgie is an instantly likable heroine—a hardworking ski instructor juggling two jobs while saving for a fresh start in London. Her decision to hide out in the empty Whistler chalet she cleans sets off a deliciously awkward chain of events when billionaire owner Alessandro arrives unexpectedly with his ex-wife and lawyers in tow. Mistaken identity quickly turns into a fake-girlfriend arrangement, raising the stakes as Georgie becomes an unwilling but essential part of Alessandro’s custody negotiations.

The chemistry between Georgie and Alessandro crackles, fueled by sharp banter and a push-pull dynamic that keeps the pages turning. Alessandro’s cold, controlled exterior contrasts nicely with Georgie’s honesty and no-nonsense warmth, and watching him soften—especially through his relationship with his daughter, Flora—is deeply satisfying.

While the emotional back-and-forth can feel intense and the ending slightly rushed, the story more than makes up for it with wit, charm, and engaging characters. Maid for the Italian is an entertaining, feel-good romance that delivers exactly what it promises.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Witness Protector By Jude Bayton

She’s seen too much.

And a chance reunion is her only hope for survival.

Witness to a murder. No passport to go home. Mia Jones never expected to run into Jack Brannon in the middle of nowhere. Their affair years ago left her heartbroken, but now Jack is her only hope. The Law Enforcement Park Ranger thinks his eyes are playing tricks on him when he spots Mia at a local diner. He’s even more surprised when he learns she’s in hiding—and why. Determined to keep her safe and bring a killer to justice, Jack takes the woman he never forgot on a road trip in search of answers…and the ultimate retribution.

About The Author

My Review

This is a well-crafted romantic suspense that blends danger, second-chance romance, and emotional healing. Written with a steady hand, the story delivers a familiar but engaging setup that will appeal to fans of protective-hero narratives.

Mia (Emilia) Jones and Jack Brannon share a poignant history—a brief but intense summer romance in England that left a lasting imprint on them both. Their unexpected reunion a decade later in a small Arkansas town immediately adds emotional weight, especially as Mia is living under an assumed identity. When her past catches up with her and she’s forced to reveal the truth, the story shifts into high-stakes suspense as Jack steps in to protect her.

The danger surrounding Mia is compelling, with the human-trafficking storyline adding urgency and gravity. Jack’s role as a National Park Ranger suits the protective dynamic well, and his lingering grief over his brother’s death gives his character emotional depth and realism. The romance unfolds more quietly, grounded in shared history and trust rather than instant passion.

With steady pacing, solid suspense, and a satisfying resolution, this book offers an enjoyable, comfortingly familiar read for romantic suspense fans who appreciate second chances, protective heroes, and a hopeful ending.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 19 May 2026

The Stories We Tell By Savannah Carlisle

Two corporate pros. One high-stakes documentary. A coastal love story where ambition and heart collide.

Piper Presley has spent years chasing her dreams of stardom, and she’s this close to making it big. When she returns to charming Big Dune Island to oversee a documentary about her superstar client, she sees it as the perfect launchpad, until local marketing director Wyatt Mason turns every plan upside down.

Wyatt’s easygoing style and deep roots on the island clash with Piper’s polished, big-city strategy. But their chemistry is impossible to ignore.

As they navigate behind-the-scenes drama, a buried scandal threatens everything they’re working toward, including their growing connection. With career-defining choices on the horizon and a hurricane brewing offshore, Piper and Wyatt must decide what really matters…and where home truly is.

The Worst Wedding Date By Pippa Grant

He’s a tattooed shirtless bad boy. My best friend’s brother. And the jerk on the other side of my bed.

I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother, but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do.

Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade.

Even if he should be responsible enough to not wreak havoc at his sister’s destination wedding.

Even if it means we have to share a hotel room in Hawaii, which might be the final duty that breaks me.

Not only does Theo know exactly how to push my buttons, but he never wears clothes, he’s hiding a litter of kittens in his room, and he keeps showing up with fresh-baked cookies that seemingly come from nowhere.

Also?

I have no idea what’s up with the tension between him and the groom.

Or why he’s so proud of the world’s strangest wedding gift.

Or why I suddenly want to know what makes him tick. The story behind his tattoos. How he can afford to rent a convertible in Hawaii. And if maybe all of that utter frustration and irritation I’ve felt for him for years is suppressed attraction that a good girl like me isn’t supposed to feel for the biggest bad boy of Snaggletooth Creek.

But I do know one thing.

When I find out his biggest secret and the answer to all of my questions, it will change everything.

Review Card & Book Review – Falling For The Fake Lumberjack By Sara Ney

With rugged good looks and muscles for days, Harris Bennett stops traffic no matter what he’s wearing—flannel shirt or football jersey. So when management sends him to Star Lake, Washington, for a team-building retreat, it’s no wonder a local mistakes him for a lumberjack. And Harris leans right into the misunderstanding. Because that “local” looks amazing in yoga pants.

Lucy LeBrandt is a yoga instructor with trust issues: She doesn’t have time for men. But she’s definitely drawn to the hot, goofy lumberjack who seems to know nothing about, well, lumberjacking. He’s only in town for a week. Maybe she can squeeze him in between classes…

Harris has no idea what to do with an axe, and Lucy has no idea what to do about Harris. But they both know exactly what to do when they’re alone together. Can they split the difference between them, or is their romance just one stroke away from “TIIIIIMBER!”?

About The Author

My Review

This is a lighthearted, flirty rom-com that delivers laughs, heat, and heartfelt moments in equal measure..

Harris, a cocky professional football player, is instantly entertaining as he lands in the small town of Star Lake, Washington, for a team retreat. His meet-cute with Lucy, a grounded and cautious yoga instructor, sparks immediate chemistry—made even better by witty banter and undeniable attraction. While Harris dives in headfirst, Lucy’s hesitation adds emotional balance, especially knowing he’s only in town for a week.

The mistaken-identity “fake lumberjack” twist is where the novel truly shines. Harris embracing the ruse for the town’s fall festival leads to a string of hilarious situations that showcase Sara Ney’s sharp comedic timing. Lucy’s best friend Annabelle is a standout supporting character, bringing warmth and humor and leaving readers eager for her own story.

Beneath the humor and heat, the romance deepens as both characters confront past hurts. Sweet, sexy, and genuinely fun, this book is an irresistible small-town romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 18 May 2026

Wild About You By Jo Lovett

He’s the one that got away…

After the loss of her father, the last thing Flavia expects – or wants to do – is go on the trip of a lifetime her parents had planned together.

Not least because – it turns out – the other ticket is being taken by Dominic Rock, their devastatingly handsome next-door neighbour, with whom, nine years ago, Flavia shared a hot night of passion.

It had felt like love. Real, dizzy, once-in-a-lifetime love. But in the intervening years, Flavia has learnt more about this man, things that make him impossible to trust.

But against the breathtaking landscapes of Cape Town, old sparks may once again reignite. And Flavia must decide whether Dominic is the man who broke her heart – or the one she never truly let go.

Review Card & Book Review- Buried Lies By Kathleen Donnelly

U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer Maya Thompson and her K-9, Juniper, are both ready for a break. Ever since moving to Colorado, it’s been one investigation after another. Murder, arson, kidnapping…they’ve handled it all. Now that her boyfriend, Undersheriff Josh Colton, is coming home, Maya is looking forward to spending some quality time together.

Until she and Juniper find the body of a woman in a pile of forest debris meant to burn, that is. Then Maya’s just looking forward to having Josh’s help in solving the crime.

But when the victim turns out to be Josh’s volatile ex-fiancée, and all signs point to Josh as the main suspect, Maya and Juniper must dig into Josh’s past to uncover the truth…before the killer, fixated on revenge, finds them.

About The Author

My Review

This is a standout entry in the National Forest K-9 series and a wonderfully accessible jumping-in point for new readers. Although it’s the fourth book, Donnelly’s confident, immersive writing makes it easy to connect immediately with Maya Thompson, her K-9 partner Juniper, and the high-stakes world they inhabit.

From the opening chapter, the story grips tight. Maya is a compelling heroine—capable, perceptive, and emotionally grounded—and her bond with Juniper is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Their partnership feels authentic and deeply earned, providing real heart amid the danger.

The plot unfolds at a razor-sharp pace, balancing layered suspense with personal stakes. When Maya’s boyfriend, Josh, becomes the prime suspect in a murder, the tension escalates dramatically. Donnelly weaves together relationship strain, a revenge-driven killer, and the isolating menace of the forest without ever losing momentum. Each twist lands cleanly, keeping the reader constantly off balance.

The Colorado wilderness is vividly rendered, acting almost as a character itself—beautiful, threatening, and full of buried secrets. Buried Lies delivers a satisfying blend of emotional depth, sharp mystery, and K-9 excellence, making it a must-read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Nurse’s Night Before Valentine’s By Louisa Heaton

There’s no cure for Cupid!

For locum nurse Cass, a temporary contract on a Scottish island is a breath of fresh air. After suffering a terrible loss, she’s lived on the go, never allowing anyone close. Except the warm welcome from her new boss, single dad GP Lachie, has her wondering if she can finally put down roots… Sharing patients leads to sharing heartaches late into the night, when their spark threatens to turn into a blaze! As Valentine’s approaches, will Cass find a home where her heart is?

About The Author

My Review

Louisa Heaton is a tender, emotionally rich romance that packs a surprising amount of heart into a short, satisfying read.

Set on the remote Isle of Gulray, the story follows Cass, a traumatised locum nurse who arrives intending to simply complete a temporary contract and keep her walls firmly in place. Instead, she finds herself drawn into the rhythm of island life—and into the orbit of Lachie, the island’s young doctor, widower, and devoted father to his son Ronan, while also caring for his mother as she battles dementia. Their connection unfolds gently, shaped by shared compassion, unspoken grief, and the quiet understanding of two people carrying heavy emotional burdens.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its sense of place. The descriptions of island life—the food, weather, local language, and close-knit community—are vivid and immersive, making Gulray feel wonderfully real. The medical details add authenticity and momentum, grounding the romance in everyday challenges and care.

Though it’s a quick afternoon read, this story lingers, offering warmth, healing, and the comforting fantasy of finding love and belonging in a remote Scottish community.

My Rating