July 2026 – Page 2 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Dangerous Game By Sandra Owens

She just revealed that he’s a father…

And his child is missing.

Within moments of discovering that his unforgettable one-night stand years ago resulted in a baby, Cooper Devlin learns his daughter has been kidnapped. Cooper and his two friends are the Phoenix Three, an organization specializing in finding missing children. Kendall Hart has contacted him because she needs his expertise to save their child. Then the kidnapper communicates that Kendall is the next target. As Cooper’s love for Kendall and their child deepens, his mission to capture the kidnapper and keep his family safe becomes the most important one of his life.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Cooper, the last unattached member of the Phoenix Three, whose life is turned upside down when he discovers he has a daughter—and she’s been kidnapped, thrusting him into a desperate race to save her.

Dangerous Game is a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the Phoenix Three series, blending action, suspense, and heartfelt emotion. Cooper stands out as a relatable hero—less polished than his teammates but deeply loyal and determined. His sudden journey into fatherhood adds urgency and emotional weight to an already gripping plot.

While the initial crisis resolves quickly, it cleverly sets up a deeper, more complex storyline filled with twists and escalating tension. The pacing is fast and engaging, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.

What truly elevates the novel is the camaraderie within the Phoenix Three. Their bond, along with the strong presence of family and supporting characters, adds warmth and humor that balance the danger and intensity.

Overall, this is an action-packed, emotionally rich romance with a perfect blend of suspense, heart, and loyalty.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Love Blooms At The Cornish Cottage By Kim Nash

💔 How do you mend a broken heart? 💔

Michelle finally thought she’d found love with her hot Greek doctor. But when Demetri reveals he’s returning home to care for his sick mother, Michelle’s dream future crumbles. Choosing not to follow him feels like losing more than just love – it feels like losing who she’d started to become.

Determined not to fall apart, Michelle decides to throw herself into rebuilding her life in Sandpiper Shore, but then unexpectedly, Demetri’s brother, Makkis, arrives on her doorstep. Offering him a room seems like the kind thing to do… but the constant reminder of her lost love is difficult for her heartbroken soul.

And the more time she spends with Makkis, the clearer it becomes: there are parts of Demetri she never knew… Just as Michelle starts to heal with a little help from her friends, she’s faced with a decision: fight for the love she knows she deserves, or finally learn how to let go…

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Michelle, a woman navigating a midlife reset in a picturesque Cornish setting, where self-doubt lingers beneath her kind and thoughtful nature. Settling into her new life, she finds comfort in her weekly gatherings with a loyal group of friends who offer warmth, humour, and unwavering support.

Michelle’s relationship with Demetri, a dedicated but work-absorbed A&E doctor, adds emotional complexity, especially as his demanding career leaves little room for connection. The story takes an engaging turn with the introduction of Makis, Demetri’s brother—similar in appearance but vastly different in personality—bringing contrast, tension, and intrigue.

Kim Nash carefully builds the narrative through Michelle’s perspective, allowing readers to fully understand her vulnerabilities, desires, and personal growth. The character development feels rich and authentic, particularly in portraying the realities of middle-aged life, relationships, and second chances.

With moments of sadness woven through a comforting, cosy atmosphere, this novel balances romance, friendship, and emotional depth beautifully. It’s a heartfelt read filled with laughter, tears, and the reassuring power of community.

Second Chance Romance

Small-Town Romance

Found Family

Midlife Fresh Start

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 16 July 2026

Secrets Among The Spires By Fiona Radcliffe

Can a pair of later-in-life lovebirds find their way to one another along the cobbled streets of Oxford? Or will one too many bumps along the way throw their romance off course?

Everyone at St Peter’s College adores Reverend Clara Bennett’s sermons, but none more than choral singer, Tom Hartley. When Clara speaks to her congregation about seizing every opportunity for happiness, Tom decides plucks up the courage to ask her out. By some miracle, she says yes.

Sparks fly between Clara and Tom as they punt along the Cherwell and picnic at Port Meadow. But the course of true love never did run smooth and, before long, Clara is faced with a decision that could pull her away from her beloved Oxford, and Tom, forever…

Second Chances At The Hopeful Hearts Bookshop By Debbie Johnson

Single mother Jane can’t believe it when an invitation to Bonnie Bay falls from the pages of a book: the Scottish village she was supposed to run away to with her first love. Until he broke her heart, that is. But he’s far away now – and why shouldn’t she spend a summer there, daughter Beth in tow? They’ll snuggle up reading, stroll by the wild sea, and maybe even banish Beth’s teenage grumps.

But arriving in the charming village, Jane’s jaw drops when she sees a familiar pair of green eyes… it’s Rory Callaghan,her first love, and the boy who broke her heart. The problem? Rory is now very much a man. He’s taller, broader. His Irish lilt still makes her weak at the knees. And the sizzling spark between them crackles just like it used to.

Rory might be a long way from his Irish hometown, but he’s made a new home right here. The cozy bookshop is his refuge, and owner Moira his replacement family. So when Jane arrives it’s like an arrow through his heart. She’s still gorgeous, still his Jane. And the fierce look in her eye tells him she’s just as passionate as he remembers.

After promising to help Moira turn the bookshop into a community hub, and with Beth making friends, Jane can’t walk away. Soon, days at the bookshop turn into very late nights with Rory. And with them both spilling secrets, the real reason they broke up soon comes to light… but will this summer adventure turn into a second chance romance? Or will their hearts end up broken all over again?

Review Card & Book Review – Convenient Wife Conditions By Rebecca Hunter

How can he refuse…

Her terms of engagement?

Massimo Carandini has moved mountains to redeem his family’s name. But the fiancée meant to enhance his reputation risks ruining it by fleeing before their engagement can be announced! Locating his errant bride-to-be is easy, but will being snowbound together shatter his concrete control?

Catarina d’Avalos yearns for passion, not a cold convenient marriage! Especially not with a man who makes her body pulse to life every time he’s near. To accept Massimo’s ring, she has conditions of her own—and exploring their chemistry is nonnegotiable!

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Massimo and Caterina, two individuals bound by an arranged marriage that promises to restore his family’s reputation—but leaves her questioning what she truly stands to gain.

Convenient Wife Conditions is a compelling modern romance that blends classic tropes with a fresh, contemporary edge. Massimo is driven and complex, carrying the weight of his family’s legacy, while Caterina is a standout heroine—strong-willed, self-aware, and unwilling to settle for less than she deserves. Watching their layers unfold adds depth to what could have been a straightforward marriage-of-convenience story.

Their chemistry is undeniable, charged with tension and passion that keeps the pages turning. Yet beyond the attraction, the emotional growth between them is what truly elevates the story. Caterina’s strength, in particular, shines as she challenges expectations and asserts her worth.

The pacing makes it an easy, engaging read, perfect for fans of updated Harlequin Presents. Overall, it’s an enjoyable romance that balances intensity, character depth, and modern sensibilities with satisfying flair.

Arranged Marriage

Marriage of Convenience

Forced Proximity

Slow-Burn Romance

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Sparring Partners By Erin Rose

Gloves off. And hands on…

When things get hard, some choose “flight…”

It’s been a year since Lily Parker fled to Chicago, hoping to lose herself among millions of people. Becoming the new content creator for a South Side MMA gym isn’t just a fresh start or a new job—it’s a chance to save the gym and help women protect themselves. But while the gorgeous, scarred and tatted-up MMA coach has marked Lily as an enemy, there’s definitely something spicy between them…

He chooses “fight.”

Kieran Sullivan only knows how to use his fists. His body is a testament to survival and protecting those he loves—and that does not include the gym’s newest employee. But when a video goes viral, Kieran and Lily must play nice in front of the cameras to keep the gym’s fans happy. Now the internet is obsessed with their scorching, will-they-or-won’t-they chemistry.

Sometimes, the only thing that separates love from hate is knowing exactly who your opponent really is.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Lily, a woman escaping an abusive past, and Kieran, a fighter burdened by his own trauma, who collide at a Chicago MMA gym and slowly learn to heal through connection, resilience, and love.

This book delivers a spicy, fast-paced romance packed with emotional depth and adrenaline. Lily’s journey of reclaiming her identity is both raw and empowering, while Kieran’s protective instincts and struggle to care for his troubled younger brother add layers to his character. Their dynamic—“flight” versus “fight”—creates compelling tension that fuels both the romance and personal growth.

The MMA setting adds grit and authenticity, enhancing the story’s intensity without overshadowing its emotional core. The supporting cast is equally engaging, bringing warmth, humor, and a sense of found family that enriches the narrative.

Erin Rose balances steamy chemistry with meaningful exploration of trauma and healing, making the relationship feel earned and sincere. The emotional payoff is powerful—the ending is both heartbreaking and satisfying, leaving space for hope and imagination.

Overall, this is an addictive, heartfelt romance that blends action, passion, and healing into a deeply memorable story.

Link To Purchase

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 15 July 2026

Bargaining By Sasha Lace

I promised not to fall. He’s making it impossible.

When Cole Thorner walks into my father’s funeral, I can barely breathe.

He’s the boy who shattered my heart a decade ago—now a ruthless billionaire CEO who shouldn’t be here. But Cole hasn’t come to pay respects. He’s come with a proposal: honor the pact we made as teenagers and marry him for one year. In exchange? Five million pounds and the chance to save my family home from ruin.

It’s meant to be a business arrangement—nothing more. Cole needs to soften his icy reputation, and I’m the perfect candidate: the lovely, charming girl-next-door. He’s made it clear he has zero interest in being a real husband, and I’m determined to protect what’s left of my heart.

But then he takes me to Rome.

The city I’ve dreamed of becomes our honeymoon backdrop, and suddenly the boundaries I’ve drawn start to blur. The chemistry between us is undeniable.

So why does falling for Cole Thorner again feel like the most dangerous bargain I’ve ever made?

Fall For Me By Camilla Isley

Running from a wedding… into a fake fall romance!

Fleeing her wedding and a toxic relationship in her white gown, Peyton jumps on the first bus out of town—and straight into billionaire Liam Rockwood. Literally. Distracted by her search for a place to stay, she steps into the street and sends the town’s most eligible bachelor crashing off his bike!

Liam is furious. His suit is ruined, he’s late for an event at his hotel, and now the runaway bride responsible is trying to check in. Worse, the small-town rumor mill quickly decides Peyton must be his secret new wife.

When Liam’s father arrives ready to celebrate the “happy couple,” Liam makes Peyton an offer: a temporary marriage of convenience. She gets protection against her vindictive ex, a home, and a fresh start. He gets the wife his family expects.

As crisp fall days turn into cozy nights, they carve pumpkins, steal kisses in the corn maze, and share secrets in the dark. Suddenly, their fake marriage starts feeling dangerously real. But falling was never part of the plan…

Review Card & Book Review – Love Comes In Small Packages By Lori Foster & Maisey Yates

THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE * LORI FOSTER
Compared to her smart, responsible twin, Laylee has always been labeled the party girl sister. Now she’s really screwed up by finding herself possibly accidentally pregnant, and definitely not in love. With her sister away on her honeymoon, Laylee’s only confidant is her guy friend Knox. There’s mutual attraction there, yet they’ve been tiptoeing around it. But telling Knox everything may change . . . well, everything. Especially amid a comedy of pregnancy test errors, a robbery, a cat rescue mission—and the realization that Knox sees her as so much more than a pretty face . . . .

THE RANCHER’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY * MAISEY YATES
Ellie Parks helplessly watched her beloved sister, Melanie, spiral into addiction in high school, thanks to her toxic relationship with Ty Porter. Ellie, now a teacher, hasn’t seen Melanie in over a year when she gets a call from Child Protective Services that Melanie has a baby—and she’s surrendered her parental rights. Ellie races to the hospital, but someone’s beat her to it: rodeo champion Clark Porter, the baby’s uncle. Clark’s a good man and he’ll be damned if his niece grows up without him. Until they find a custody solution, Ellie will just have to move into his ranch house. Temporarily. Obviously. Except that they’re attracted to each other. Risking the unconventional family they’re creating is the last thing they need. Then again, if what they feel is deeper than attraction, it may be what they need most . . .

About The Author

My Review

This book is about two heartfelt romances where unexpected circumstances bring people together, forcing them to confront long-hidden feelings and redefine what family means.

In That Someone Special by Lori Foster, Laylee and Knox’s friends-to-lovers journey is filled with humor and charm. Their chemistry shines through amusing mishaps—especially a chaotic pregnancy test situation—while their supportive friend group adds heart and levity.

In The Rancher’s Unexpected Family by Maisey Yates, the tone shifts to something more tender and emotional. Ellie and Clark must overcome a complicated past when they suddenly become guardians to a newborn. The dual perspectives deepen the story, revealing layers of hurt, growth, and healing. Yates handles themes like family dysfunction and addiction with empathy and nuance, especially in her portrayal of the birth parents.

Together, these stories balance humor and heartfelt emotion beautifully, offering satisfying romances centered on love, second chances, and the creation of unconventional families.

Friends to Lovers

Unexpected Parenthood

Second Chance at Love

Found Family

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 14 July 2026

Falling Into You By Jill Shalvis

Some love stories don’t stay buried, no matter how far you run.

Hazel Pierce has three goals for coming back to Star Falls:

Help her estranged dad.
Keep things strictly temporary.
Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for Tucker Colburn again.

That plan dies a dramatic, soggy death when a rogue wasp sting sends Hazel swerving off the road and into the river—only to be hauled out, half-drowned and furious, by the Star Falls Fire Department’s finest. Unfortunately, “finest” is ex–best friend, ex–one-night mistake, and the man she’s been avoiding for a decade.

Tucker’s always had a way of getting into her head. And now between a family that thrives on gossip and a town that’s way too small for all this chemistry, Hazel’s running out of ways to avoid the truth. As sparks turn into late-night confessions and slow, toe-curling kisses, Hazel has to decide if she’s done running—from her past, from this town, and from the only man who’s ever made her feel like home. And Tucker has to prove that this time, he’s not just her safe place to crash—he’s her always.

Review Card & Book Review- A Life Rewritten By Laura Ashwood

One woman’s life falls apart in a single night. What she builds in its place will change everything.

Abby Whitney had it all—or so she thought. A glittering Manhattan life. A powerful husband. A future that seemed secure. But when her husband, Michael Whitney, dies suddenly, Abby discovers the shocking truth: the man she loved was living a double life, and he’s left behind a daughter who has no one else in the world.

Becoming guardian to eight-year-old Cami forces Abby to confront the wreckage of her marriage and the emptiness of her own existence. Trading the scrutiny of New York’s high society for the quiet shores of Bluefin Bay, North Carolina, she begins to uncover the strength she never knew she had.

As Abby attempts to mother a grieving child, she discovers friendship, purpose, and the stirrings of a love that’s honest and true. But will she be able to let go of the woman she used to be?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Abby, a woman trapped in a distant, unraveling marriage to Michael, whose sudden death reveals a devastating secret—he had another wife and a daughter, Cami. Thrust into the role of guardian, Abby must navigate overwhelming grief, betrayal, and the shock of a life built on lies while deciding what kind of future she wants.

A Life Rewritten is an emotionally engaging, clean women’s fiction story that explores resilience, identity, and unexpected family bonds. Abby’s journey is deeply moving as she processes heartbreak while slowly opening her heart to Cami, a child equally lost in grief. Their evolving relationship becomes the emotional core of the novel, filled with tenderness and healing.

The writing is compelling and hard to put down, capturing both the pain of betrayal and the quiet strength it takes to move forward. While the hint of a possible romance with Logan adds intrigue, the story remains grounded in personal growth and emotional recovery.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt, satisfying read about rebuilding a life when everything you believed in falls apart.

Second-chance at life

Found family

Grief and healing

Secrets and betrayal

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review- The Savage By Zara Cox

Renzo Salvatore 🥀🖤🪓🏎️

Capo, F1 Race Driver…Unhinged Kidnapper

I should be thinking about survival. Instead, I’m dying with her name on my lips.Giada Mancinelli—the girl who owned my heart at sixteen. The girl who pulled the trigger that killed my mother. The girl everyone believes is dead. I spent years trying to erase her, bury my desire, outrun her ghost on racetracks across the world. I failed.

Crashing my F1 race car leaves me broken, drugged, and barely holding on—but wide awake when I see her. A woman in a nun’s habit standing at my bedside. For one unhinged moment, I think I’m hallucinating. Until I realize the impossible truth. She’s real. And she’s finally mine.Giada Mancinelli ⛪️♰📿

Mafia Princess, Secret Keeper…Novice Nun?

My name is Sister Benedetta but he calls me Giada. He tells me I survived by disappearing. By hiding. By forgetting. I remember none of it.

Taken from a Sicilian convent and placed beside a man held together by scars and rage, I feel the weight of sins I can’t recall. Renzo Salvatore looks at me like I’m both absolution and damnation. The past wants me dead. The mafia wants me silent. And the man who should hate me most may be the only one ruthless enough to keep me alive. Because some loves don’t fade. They become lethal.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Renzo, a Formula 1 driver whose life hangs in the balance after a devastating crash. As he fights for survival, the only name on his lips is Giada the woman who vanished six years earlier under shocking circumstances, last seen standing over a body with a gun in her hand.

When Giada suddenly reappears, her return shakes the fragile peace surrounding Renzo and the people connected to them. Long-buried secrets begin to surface, forcing everyone to confront the truth about what really happened the night she disappeared. But not everyone wants the past uncovered, and the danger surrounding them grows stronger as hidden motives and loyalties come into question.

Adding to the tension are mysterious messages from the enigmatic NightOwl, whose cryptic warnings blur the line between ally and enemy. Their presence casts a shadow of suspense over the story, keeping readers guessing about who can truly be trusted.

Zara Cox skillfully slows the pace at the beginning, building emotional depth before delivering the long-awaited reunion between Renzo and Giada, a moment filled with raw emotion. The return of familiar characters enriches the narrative, creating a layered and engaging story that hints at even more twists to come.

Formula 1 Romance

Second Chance Romance

Mystery & Suspense

Secrets from the Past

My Rating