September 2026 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Too Fast To Fall By Karen Booth

So what if she’s crushing on a race car driver? That doesn’t mean it’s love at first lap.
But maybe it’s love at first lap dog?

Yesterday, Piper Murphy was just another dog sitter helping her sister with wedding prep while pretending she’s over her own broken engagement.

Today, she’s the fill-in dog sitter for Formula One driver Emilio Baquero. Brooding, gorgeous driver + naughty, cute Lab? Woof, down boy.

When Emilio offers her a five-week gig as his live-in dog nanny in London, Piper can’t help but say yes. It’s out of her comfort zone, sure, but it’s also a ticket to travel, racing, and caring for a dog she already adores. All while escaping the wedding planning that’s put her failures front and center.

Only being under the same roof means there’s no escaping Emilio’s intensity, or grumpiness. Piper tries to be a sunny presence, but their clashes just fuel the slow-burn tension to something near combustible.

Because falling for your boss is risky when you have a broken heart. Falling for your famous boss and his adorable dog? That’s a crash waiting to happen.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about finding love in unexpected places, healing emotional burnout, and discovering that sometimes slowing down is the only way to truly move forward. This is a charming sports romance set in the high-speed world of Formula 1, blending grumpy-sunshine chemistry with heartfelt personal growth.

Emilio is an F1 driver struggling through a turbulent season, weighed down not only by poor results on the track but also by personal upheaval, including his parents’ divorce and a recent breakup. His life feels increasingly out of control, and even something as simple as finding a reliable nanny for his dog becomes another source of stress. Piper, on the other hand, brings warmth and stability into his chaotic world. A passionate dog walker recovering from her own broken engagement, she is trying to rebuild her life while supporting her family and holding onto her optimism.

Their dynamic is one of the story’s strongest elements. Piper’s sunshine energy contrasts beautifully with Emilio’s grumpy, guarded nature, creating natural tension and emotional pull. The presence of Gus the dog adds charm and heart, even contributing his own perspective, which makes the story even more endearing.

With its mix of sports drama, humor, and tender romance, this is a feel-good read about trust, timing, and letting love in when life feels too fast.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 21 September 2026

A Christmas Wish For The Village Midwife By Tilly Tennant

As stars sparkle in wintry skies, the little village of Thimblebury is getting in the Christmas spirit. Fairy lights hang in shop windows, couples kiss under the mistletoe and midwife Zoe Padbury has a heartfelt Christmas wish…

For midwife Zoe Padbury, there’s nowhere more magical than her Lake District home at Christmas. The air smells of hot chocolate and mulled wine, there are Santa cruises on the lakes, and Zoe has her hands full welcoming babies into the world – the best presents of all.

But at home at Kestrel Cottage, despite the lights twinkling on the tree, the mood is far from festive. Zoe has just had unexpected news: she may never be able to have children. She and her boyfriend Alex have been dreaming of starting a family of their own, and as she watches Alex put together the perfect Christmas for his daughter Billie, she hides her heartbreak. She’s determined not to ruin the holidays for him…

Zoe wraps presents with Billie, and sees Alex look at them both with such love. The season should be joyful, but she’s far from feeling light and hope. But what’s more important at Christmas? Keeping the peace or telling the truth? Zoe’s only wish is for many more Christmases with those she loves. But is her relationship strong enough to survive the secrets she’s been keeping?

Review Card & Book Review – The Husband’s Secret By Debra Webb

Her ex’s mysterious death

…is now theirs to solve.

When Brenda Devers sees her estranged—and recently deceased—husband, Scott, at the airport, she reels in shock. She’d buried him three weeks ago—hadn’t she? Only now his business troubles have thrust Brenda and her young daughter into sudden do-or-die jeopardy. Luckily the single mom’s new neighbor, Ben Clark, is smart, attractive and seemingly trustworthy when police and the FBI are not. A top Colby private investigator, Ben’s been hired to protect Brenda. But as he helps her uncover the truth about Scott, the danger factor amps up—and her worst nightmare might be coming true.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about grief, deception, and a dangerous trail of secrets that refuses to stay buried, even after death. This is a fast-paced romantic suspense that leans heavily into mystery, tension, and escalating danger.

Brenda Devers is still reeling from the sudden loss of her estranged husband when she spots him alive at an airport, a shocking moment that immediately destabilizes everything she believed. That uncertainty quickly spirals into suspicion and fear as she finds herself questioned by authorities, targeted by unknown enemies, and forced to protect her young daughter, Janie. The appearance of threatening messages and a break-in pushes Brenda into survival mode, where trust becomes nearly impossible.

Enter Ben Clark, her new neighbor who turns out to be a private investigator connected to the Colby Agency. His steady presence and investigative skills provide much-needed structure as the situation unravels. Together, they dig into Scott’s hidden business dealings, uncovering a web of secrets that suggest far more danger than Brenda ever anticipated.

The pacing is tight and consistently engaging, with twists that keep the tension high throughout. While the romantic element takes a backseat to the suspense, the mystery is the true strength of the story, delivering an absorbing and unpredictable read.

Romantic Suspense

Protective Hero

Single Mom Romance

Mystery & Hidden Secrets

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – My Fiancee Promotion By Emmy Grayson

Diamonds aren’t forever…
Unless they come with desire!

For years, I’ve striven to conceal my blazing attraction to my boss, Aiden Hawke. Aiden never mixes business with pleasure. But when he demands I play his fake fiancée for a year to secure a deal, my heart almost combusts.

Once he marks me as his to the press and moves me into his penthouse, Aiden’s every heated glance is a special kind of torture. As his icy walls come down, I know I’m playing with fire. Because my compulsion to be his will linger long after this engagement’s expiration date…

About The Author

My Review

This book is about healing from trauma, rebuilding self-worth, and discovering that love can grow even when it begins as a carefully constructed lie. This is an emotionally layered workplace romance built on fake engagement, slow-burn chemistry, and personal empowerment.

Seraphina is a compelling heroine whose past abuse has shaped but not defined her. Having rebuilt her life through resilience and fire dancing, she brings both strength and vulnerability into her role at Hawke Financial, where her intelligence and intuition make her indispensable. Her decision to agree to Aiden’s fake-fiancée arrangement is not driven by material gain but by gratitude, as she requests support for the refuge that helped her heal, a detail that adds depth and purpose to her character.

Aiden, her powerful boss, initially appears like a classic guarded billionaire with commitment issues, but his emotional barriers stem from deeper wounds and loyalty to the few people he trusts. The fake engagement forces both characters into close proximity, intensifying long-standing sparks and pushing them to confront feelings they’ve long suppressed.

What stands out most is the balance of power in their relationship. While Aiden holds professional authority, Seraphina’s emotional strength and clarity give her true agency. Their romance is a satisfying blend of tension, tenderness, and mutual growth, making this a heartfelt and empowering read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- The Lake House By Lori Foster

When Pixie Nolan first came to Bramble, Kentucky, the abandoned and desperate young single mother found hope, healing, and a fresh start. With the loving support of her best friends—Marlow Heddings and her handsome Marine husband, Cort—Pixie is now happily raising her toddler son in a cozy cottage, managing Marlow’s thriving boutique, and designing firefly logo t-shirts that are selling like hotcakes. The past is behind her, and life is good.

She never expected to make an electrifying connection with a summer renter, a retired Navy SEAL with his own complicated past . . .

A rugged warrior with scars both seen and unseen, Brogan Rafferty arrives with an adorable baby girl in tow and settles into the lake house next door. And while he’s a stunning addition to the gorgeous scenery, it’s his caring devotion that captures Pixie’s heart—the way he gently snuggles away the precious infant’s cries, or swoops Pixie’s delighted little boy high in the air with his tattooed, muscular arms.

But it’s no coincidence that Brogan has found Pixie, and his startling revelations make it clear she’s the key to healing old regrets and building new dreams. And when a hostile stranger turns up with shocking accusations against Bramble’s new hometown hero, Pixie must put her own fears and heartbreak away for good—and learn what it truly means to trust.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about healing, second chances, and the kind of community that quietly helps broken people find their way back to happiness. This is a warm, emotional small-town romance filled with heart, family, and hope.

The town of Bramble once again shines as the soul of the story, offering comfort, friendship, and unwavering support to those who need it most. Returning to this world feels like coming home, especially with Pixie Nolan and her son Andy at the center of the story. Pixie’s journey is deeply rewarding to follow. After everything she has endured, seeing her finally thrive in a place where she feels loved and secure makes this story especially heartfelt.

Brogan arrives in Bramble carrying grief, responsibility, and uncertainty after becoming guardian to his baby niece, Shayna. His bond with her is tender and touching, and Shayna becomes the connection that slowly opens him back up to life and love. Watching Brogan and Pixie cautiously lower their defenses around each other feels natural and emotionally authentic.

Their romance develops with sweetness and vulnerability, while the family tensions add just enough conflict to keep the story engaging. Full of warmth, healing, and emotional depth, this is a comforting and uplifting read about love, trust, and belonging.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 19 September 2026

Winter Wishes At Pennycress Inn By Sarah Hope

She never expected to make an electrifying connection with a summer renter, a retired Navy SEAL with his own complicated past . . .

Review Card & Book Review – Have A Great Summer By Francesca Cocchi

If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .

Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.

Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .

About The Author

My Review

This book is about nostalgia, first love, and discovering how deeply certain summers can shape the rest of your life. This is a heartfelt coming-of-age romance that beautifully captures friendship, family, and the bittersweet feeling of growing up.

Set against the vivid backdrop of the Jersey Shore, the story feels incredibly immersive and authentic. From the local restaurants and beach-town traditions to the early morning traffic and iconic fashion references, every detail adds warmth and realism. Francesca Cocchi clearly writes with affection for the Shore, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and deeply personal.

The dual timeline structure works wonderfully, showing Angelina “Lina” Mariano both as a teenager falling in love for the first time and as an adult carrying the emotional weight of those formative years. Her relationship with Sebastian is emotional and complicated, but the novel’s real strength lies in Lina’s personal growth and self-discovery. Watching her navigate changing relationships, expectations, and uncertainty makes the story feel relatable far beyond the romance itself.

Tender, reflective, and emotionally grounded, this is the perfect beach read for anyone who loves stories about memory, love, and finding your way back to yourself.

First Love

Second Chance Romance

Dual Timeline

Self-Discovery & Coming of Age

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 18 September 2026

The Girl With The Stolen Rose By Cora Matthews

1922: Holding my hands in his, the only father I’ve ever known whispers the words that will change the course of my life: ‘Darling Rose, my most loyal maid. I’ve spent my life collecting the rarest of flowers from around the world. But now the time has come to return them to their rightful home. Promise me you will?’

Climbing aboard a steamship bound for Greece, a precious bloom wrapped carefully in her luggage, Rose is filled with nervous excitement. She has never left her village before, never known anything outside her life at Ashbourne House. But she has made a promise, one she refuses to break, and she needs courage now more than ever.

Stepping foot onto the island of Santorini, Rose is in awe of the wild Aegean sea sparkling against the rugged coastline. This is where the delicate wild rose once grew, and where she must ensure it returns to the land. But before she can, a chance meeting with a mysterious fisherman changes her fate forever…

Review Card & Book Review- How To Train Your Billionaire By Kendall Ryan

Accountant Frankie Anderson seems down for the count. Laid off, single, and desperate for a fresh start, she takes an unlikely job as travel companion to billionaire Charles Winthrop—a grandfatherly eccentric with a private jet and a soft spot for strays. The perks? Staying in luxury estates, sun-soaked days in Hawaii, and glamorous nights on the French Riviera. The catch? His nephew.

Hayes Winters is grumpy, guarded, and annoyingly good-looking. Their first encounter—a spat erupting from her all-out battle with a broken vending machine—convinces him he doesn’t want Frankie anywhere near him or his family. He doesn’t trust her motives, and she doesn’t care what he thinks. But somewhere between late-night omelets and lavender fields, their banter turns into something neither of them expected.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what old Charles had in mind. Because sometimes the best journeys aren’t the ones you plan—they’re the ones that lead you home.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about unexpected opportunities, personal growth, and two stubborn people whose constant clashes slowly turn into undeniable attraction. This is a light, entertaining romance filled with humor, banter, and emotional development.

Frankie Anderson is an easy heroine to root for. After losing her job, she is frustrated, uncertain about her future, and trying to regain her confidence when she unexpectedly crosses paths with billionaire Hayes Winters. Their first impressions are disastrous, especially after Hayes witnesses Frankie’s unforgettable vending machine meltdown and immediately dismisses her. Their chemistry, however, is obvious from the start, creating plenty of witty tension and laugh-out-loud moments whenever they meet.

One of the highlights of the story is Charles Winthrop, Hayes’s charming and eccentric uncle, whose decision to hire Frankie as his travel companion changes the direction of her life completely. The travel elements add fun and warmth to the story while also allowing Frankie to rediscover herself outside of her career expectations.

Although the title feels slightly misleading compared to the actual plot, the romance itself is enjoyable and sweet. With engaging characters, sharp dialogue, and satisfying character growth, this was a fun and charming billionaire romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Undercover Sabotage By Kacy Cross

They’re a fake couple…

To solve a real mystery.

As heir to her Aunt Greta’s vineyard, Samantha Wagner, a take-charge executive, is sure she has the smarts to run Wagner Wines. She just hadn’t counted on former Texas Ranger Dean Carter investigating her aunt’s death as suspicious. Though both prefer to operate solo, the designer-clad business pro and the sexy loner cowboy pose as a couple to probe a possible murder. But as sabotage mounts and secrets emerge, Carter and Samantha try to resist emotional entanglement. Will the former ranger abandon his mission to protect Samantha from the killer’s sights?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about danger, deception, and two people pretending to be in love while uncovering secrets that could destroy everything. This book launches the Shadow Rangers series with a fast-paced blend of romantic suspense, mystery, and emotional tension.

Samantha Wagner is an engaging heroine thrown completely out of her comfort zone when she inherits her estranged aunt’s vineyard after a suspicious death. Determined to prove herself despite her lack of experience, Samantha quickly finds herself surrounded by sabotage, hidden motives, and dangerous secrets. Enter Dean Carter, a former Texas Ranger whose investigation pulls the two into a fake relationship that soon begins to feel all too real.

The chemistry between Samantha and Dean develops naturally through the constant danger and forced proximity. Dean’s protective instincts and emotional conflict add depth to his character, while Samantha’s personal growth gives the story heart beyond the suspense. The vineyard setting also adds charm and atmosphere to the mystery.

With steady pacing, rising tension, and a satisfying balance of romance and intrigue, this is an entertaining start to a promising romantic suspense series.

My Rating