June 23, 2026 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- It Seemed Like A Good Idea By Lauren Blakely

I really don’t need a bodyguard—I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee’s sake! But I’m getting one anyway since my identical twin sister just booked the movie role of a lifetime and it’s being shot in my hometown. And guess who my new broody, tattooed protector is? None other than the guy I had a one-night stand with last month.

Correction: he’s the guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who ran out on me before the bang without so much as goodbye. And of course he arrives in my tiny hometown where the film is shooting right in the nick of time to save me from the paparazzi at the market. The coffee shop. The dress shop too. I’m trying hard to stay mad after the third time the sexy jerk rescues me.

Maybe just one night would relieve all this tension? But one night turns into another, and then into sharing hearts and secrets that are best locked up. Especially since he’s leaving and I’m staying, and there’s no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Ripley, a devoted sister determined to support her family’s lavender farm when her twin, Haven, lands a starring role in a movie filming in their hometown. While helping prepare for production, Ripley meets Banks in San Francisco, and their instant chemistry sparks a promising connection—until a case of mistaken identity and professional conflict causes him to abruptly ghost her.

What follows is a deliciously tension-filled bodyguard romance when Banks is assigned to protect Ripley during filming, as paparazzi constantly confuse her with Haven. The forced proximity trope shines here, delivering sizzling chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and heartfelt growth. Banks’ realization that he walked away from the wrong twin adds depth and redemption to his character.

Beyond the romance, the story beautifully highlights sisterhood, community, and unwavering family support. The bond between Ripley and Haven feels authentic and uplifting. Though the pacing slows slightly at times, the emotional payoff is worth it. Tender, romantic, and engaging, this novel blends warmth, humor, and swoon-worthy moments into a satisfying love story that lingers long after the final page.

Forced proximity

Bodyguard romance

Second chance romance

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 23 June 2026

Married To The Scottish Player By Sara Ney

Wrangling lumberjacks for Star Lake’s Fall Fest has wedding and event planner Annabelle Franklin ready to saw some serious wood. When her best friend suggests a staycation, she’s all in. Too bad the cabin she books is already occupied—by a brawny Scot who just won’t budge.

The good news? Callum “Maverick” McBride has abs to spare and a voice that could fell trees (and drop panties). Did I mention he owns two kilts? Recuperating from surgery, the Arizona linebacker just wants privacy. And since he was there first, he refuses to give an inch.

As sparks start melting the ice between them, they concede to sharing the cabin. But after crashing a wedding—and waking up hungover with matching gold rings—any boundaries established are quickly forgotten.

Turns out Annabelle and Callum’s marriage is legit. And fate has another wee surprise in store. They discover that sometimes the best mistakes in life are the ones you choose to keep.

Review Card & Book Review- The Sailor By Susan Stoker

Like his brothers, Zach Young has recently moved home to Maine after the untimely death of his father. In addition to helping his mom maintain Lobster Cove, the family’s beloved property, the Navy cook has big dreams of opening his own restaurant…but, for now, has reluctantly settled for a lobster shack. Not exactly what he had in mind, though a new lobsterwoman in town has made his daily trips to the docks worthwhile.

Having been literally bullied out of her last port city a little farther down the coast, Marit Phillips isn’t in Rockville long before the familiar grumblings begin…hardened lobstermen thinking a petite woman can’t possibly do the job, no matter how experienced. Fortunately, her new boss judges her based on work ethic…and the handsome cook who visits their boat every day? He seems to see things in Marit that even she doesn’t.

But as much as Zach builds her up, there’s another man in town, his polar opposite, trying to tear her down. And he proves more determined than the couple thought possible…

About The Author

My Review

This book delivers another heartfelt, protective-alpha romance in the Alpha Cove series by Susan Stoker. Returning to Rockville, Maine, readers reunite with the lively Young family while diving into Zach and Marit’s swoon-worthy love story.

Marit, a fiercely independent lobsterwoman seeking a fresh start, is instantly captivating. Her strength is quiet but unshakable, forged by past disappointments and long days at sea. Zach, recently home from the Navy after his father’s passing, is the classic Stoker hero—protective, devoted, and completely smitten. Their chemistry is immediate and effortless, creating a relationship that feels both tender and intense.

The story thoughtfully explores themes of belonging and gender bias within the lobstering community, adding emotional depth and tension. Marit’s struggle to fit into both the industry and the boisterous Young family feels authentic and relatable. Mama Young, as always, is a standout—warm, welcoming, and fiercely loving.

While the final act grows a bit dramatic, the resolution is satisfying and heartfelt. With strong characters, meaningful growth, and just the right touch of spice, The Sailor is a compelling addition to the series.

Protective hero

Small-town romance

Opposites attract

My Rating