September 2026 – Page 5

Review Card & Book Review – The Broken Hearts Beach Club By Jenny Hale

After heartbreak hits in three very different ways, Emily Jacobs and her friends Sienna and Blair take up Sienna’s offer to escape to her client’s luxurious beach house for sun, sand, and girl talk. But paradise comes with a twist: in his absence, the owner of the house forgot to reschedule his staff, leaving his brooding and impossibly tight-lipped personal chef, Patrick Owens, in charge of dinner for them. Every. Single. Night.

Emily can’t help but be intrigued by the chef with his guarded eyes and irresistible culinary skills. Certainly, they should know something about the person serving them food every night. As she tries to break through his tough exterior, his limited small talk creates deeper questions, just as a massive storm blows in, threatening their peaceful getaway.

Between laughter, late-night conversations, and undeniable chemistry, Emily realizes life’s storms reveal more than the weather’s.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about friendship, heartbreak, healing, and the unexpected ways life nudges us toward new beginnings. This book follows college friends Emily, Sienna, and Blair as they reunite for a much-needed beach getaway while each faces personal upheaval. What begins as a simple escape quickly becomes transformative when a broody celebrity chef, Patrick, is unexpectedly added to the mix and a looming tropical storm forces everyone together under one roof.

Hale shines at creating warm, comforting atmospheres and emotionally relatable characters. Each woman’s struggle feels grounded and authentic, making it easy to empathize with their fears, hopes, and growing courage. The storm serves as both a literal and emotional catalyst, pushing the group into deeper connection and honest reflection. The found-family element—especially Patrick’s sister and nephew—adds charm and heart, balancing the heavier emotional moments.

The pacing is gentle and soothing, perfect for readers seeking an uplifting escape. Ultimately, this is a tender celebration of friendship, resilience, and second chances, making it an ideal summer read that leaves you feeling hopeful and comforted long after the final page.

Found Family

Forced Proximity

Broody Celebrity Chef

Second Chances

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review- Unrivaled By Mary Sue Jackson

JAKE

Julia Letts is beautiful, brilliant—and stubborn as hell. I want her champion stallion. She refuses to sell. Offers stud rights instead, like that’s a compromise I can live with. So we head out on a hike—her idea of “neutral ground”—to talk it through. Then a storm rolls in, and we’re forced to take cover in an old hunting cabin.

We’re soaked. Freezing. Sharing body heat turns into something hotter—something I can’t forget.But when morning comes, she shuts me down like it never happened. Like I never happened. That’s new for me. I don’t give up easy—especially not on something that felt real.

But this is Poplar Springs. She’s the local vet. I run livestock. We can’t exactly avoid each other. Not when I keep showing up at her clinic—and not just with excuses. And then? She drops the bombshell. She’s pregnant. Now the stallion’s the last thing on my mind. I want her. Her trust. Her future.

And I’ll fight for it.

JULIA

Jake Thorne is impossible—persistent, infuriating, and way too charming for his own good. I knew better than to blur the line that night in the cabin. But I did it anyway. Now I’m pregnant. Telling him wasn’t part of the plan. But plans don’t survive long in a town like this.

He says he wants in. Says he’s not going anywhere. But I’ve built my life by standing on my own. Letting him in? That’s the real risk. And I’m not sure I’m brave enough to take it.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about two fiercely stubborn people forced together by circumstance, sizzling chemistry, and a storm that refuses to let them escape their feelings. In this book, cowboy Jake and veterinarian Julia clash immediately over a prized stallion, setting the tone for a romance built on tension, banter, and undeniable attraction. When a storm traps them together in a classic “only one bed” scenario, their carefully guarded walls begin to crumble faster than either expects.

The novel truly shines in its vibrant small-town atmosphere and the lively Thorne family, whose warmth and humor give the story a strong sense of belonging. Their presence adds heart and personality beyond the central romance, making the world feel rich and inviting. Julia stands out as a grounded, independent heroine whose past shapes her decisions in believable ways, making her easy to root for.

Jake brings the classic cowboy charm and intensity, and while his emotional payoff feels a bit rushed, the chemistry and emotional stakes keep the story engaging. With strong tension, heartfelt moments, and plenty of heat, this is a fun, comforting small-town romance perfect for readers who love determined cowboys and resilient heroines.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 3 September 2026

The Twilight Garden By Emma Davies

A secret garden. A moonlit reunion. And a chance to start again…?

Perched on a hilltop in the Cornish countryside, with the sea sparkling in the distance, lies a garden, once forgotten but recently rediscovered. As the sun sets over its gently crumbling walls every evening, two figures appear and quietly tend the soil at dusk. This is a place that heals the soul.

Gemma is here to find the version of herself she lost long ago. What she hasn’t expected to find is someone who understands her heartbreak all too well.

Leo is also trying to rebuild his life. He knows how to fix things around him with nails and a hammer. But if he tries to mend Gemma’s heart as he mends the garden, could he heal himself too?

Working side by side to uncover long-forgotten flowers in the garden, Gemma wonders if she’s planting the seeds for a whole new future for herself too.

But then one evening, it’s clear somebody else has been to the garden. Someone intending to destroy what they’re creating. Someone who needs to be stopped….

Can Gemma and Leo save the tumbledown, magical place that has saved them? Or will they lose the twilight garden forever?

Head Over Skis By Sophie Davies

One ex, one ski-instructor and one holiday that’s about to go off-piste…

The trip finally made it out of the group chat! Lottie and her friends have been planning – and saving – for their ski trip for ages and everything is going to be perfect. Until it isn’t.

After her boyfriend, Adam, cheats on her, Lottie can’t think of anything worse than being stuck on the slopes with him. The night before the trip Lottie decides to do something crazy to distract herself from thinking about Adam. A hot hook-up with someone she’ll never have to see again seems like just the solution.

Except her one-night stand turns out to be her ski instructor, Rory. Adam is oblivious, Rory is interested, and Lottie is left asking not only if she should forgive Adam, but what is love, actually?

Review Card & Book Review – The Little Bookshop By The Harbor By Jean Stone

It’s been a life-changing year since Maddie moved to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Menemsha on Martha’s Vineyard, where her late mother was born. Maddie has rediscovered her grandmother as well as her own Indigenous roots as half Wampanoag, along with the tribe’s rich history and traditions. She’s also found an unexpected second chance at love with restauranteur Rex Winsted. And then she spots a vacant shop right on the harbor . . .

Maddie boldly decides to end her days as a college journalism professor and open a bookshop that will also serve teas her grandmother makes from island herbs. Maddie’s son, Rafe, a college senior, plans to craft baskets in the ancient Wampanoag way, sell them at the store, and donate the profits to benefit Wampanoag kids. For Maddie, it’s all too good to be true . . . until the threats begin.

Not wanting to spoil the dream, Maddie tells no one. But an unexpected incident makes the situation worse, and just as the shop is about to open, revelations from the past erupt. And another surprise ahead could radically impact not only Maddie’s future, but Rex’s, too. Facing a decision she never saw coming, Maddie learns that even peaceful waters must weather storms . . .

About The Author

My Review

This book is about a woman returning to Martha’s Vineyard to reconnect with family, heritage, and the possibility of a fresh start. In this book, Maddie moves to Menemsha after her divorce to care for her beloved grandmother and rediscover her Wampanoag roots. As she settles in, she finds romance with restaurateur Rex Winsted, considers opening a cozy seaside bookshop, and begins receiving mysterious notes hinting that not everyone wants her to stay.

The strongest elements of the novel lie in its rich sense of place and heartfelt family relationships. The glimpses into Wampanoag heritage add meaningful cultural depth, and the intergenerational bonds between Maddie, her grandmother, father, and son create warmth and emotional grounding. The coastal setting feels welcoming and atmospheric, making the story easy to sink into.

While the mystery unfolds gently rather than urgently, it adds a thread of intrigue that complements the romance and personal growth. The bookshop storyline may not dominate the plot, but it contributes to the theme of rebuilding and new beginnings.

Overall, this is a cozy, character-driven read filled with heart, healing, and second chances.

Coastal Small-Town Romance

Second Chance at Life

Bookshop Dreams

Family & Heritage Reconnection

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 2 September 2026

Winter Whispers On The Riviera By Jennifer Bohnet

Three women destined to find each other and forge a new path to happiness.

Mellissa Knight thought she had a happy life in Devon—until Geoff, her husband of twenty-five years announces he’s off to take the gap year he never had. Within days, he’s gone. Reeling, Mel seizes an unexpected chance to house-sit in Antibes on the French Riviera, hoping distance might bring clarity.

Evie Sampson, an American journalist named after her great-grandmother Evelyn, arrives with a purpose. Evelyn was a war correspondent in Antibes at the end of 1945, and the journal she left behind draws Evie into the past—and deeper into the town’s hidden stories.

Brigitte Tautou, a lifelong Antibes resident and owner of Vintage Vignettes, feels stuck. At 56, she’s back under the roof of her overbearing mother, wondering if life still holds surprises—perhaps even love.

When their paths cross, these three very different women form an unlikely bond. As old secrets surface and present-day struggles collide, their friendship begins to reshape their futures in ways none of them expected.

Review Card & Book Review – Her Cameron Bodyguard By Beth Cornelison

A woman on the run.

The unexpected bodyguard who saves her.

Actress Kara O’Quinn knows too much—and now she’s fleeing a corrupt businessman determined to silence her. Enter Daryl Cameron. The former military officer turned computer analyst helps her escape from the UK to the US, stepping into the role of de facto protector…and fighting an attraction neither can afford to entertain. Until the unthinkable happens: Kara has been recognized and their picture is spread across the internet. Now there’s nowhere they can hide…

About The About

My Review

This book is about a woman forced into hiding after a brutal smear campaign and the unexpected bodyguard who becomes her safest place. In this book, Kara’s life is turned upside down when public scrutiny and paparazzi pressure push her into isolation. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, danger escalates, and the only person standing between her and real harm is Daryl Cameron—a man she met by chance on a plane.

This story blends romantic suspense with emotional healing, creating a fast-paced and engaging read. Kara is a particularly strong heroine, showing resilience and courage as she navigates fear, betrayal, and the vulnerability of trusting someone new. Watching her slowly open up to Daryl feels authentic and rewarding. Daryl’s protective instincts and the warmth of the Cameron family add heart and comfort, balancing the tension and danger surrounding Kara.

The romance develops alongside the suspense, giving the story both emotional depth and momentum. It’s a satisfying mix of danger, loyalty, and tenderness, with a heroine who refuses to be defined by scandal and a hero determined to keep her safe. A gripping and heartfelt romantic suspense read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Backstage Night With The Billionaire By Mariah Ankenman

Once upon a fixer-upper…

A handsome handyman arriving without warning to renovate down-on-her-luck aerialist Piper’s rented theater throws her into a spin—she can’t afford anyone finding out she’s living backstage. Only Kellen is no ordinary contractor: He’s a billion-dollar tycoon with a tool belt! Thanks to a lifetime of letdowns, he doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after…but Piper’s idealistic charm makes him wish he did. And as their chemistry erupts right under the stage lights, can he really keep his well-built walls up?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about an aerialist barely holding her life together and the secretive contractor who walks into her crumbling theatre and turns everything upside down. In this book, Piper is rebuilding after her ex steals her savings, secretly living in the rundown theatre where she performs. When Kellen arrives to renovate the building, he seems like the answer to her problems—competent, kind, and dangerously attractive. The complication? He’s preparing the theatre for sale and bound by an NDA that keeps Piper in the dark.

This is a light, feel-good romance that embraces its tropes with confidence. The hidden identity and forced proximity create constant tension, while the Cinderella undertones add a fairy-tale sweetness. Piper’s aerialist career offers a refreshing, behind-the-scenes look at performance life, adding depth and charm to the story. Kellen’s quiet protectiveness and undeniable chemistry with Piper make their connection believable and warm.

Yes, the outcome feels predictable—but in the most comforting way. The joy lies in the journey: the slow burn, the playful banter, and the emotional payoff. It’s a delightful, cozy escape perfect for readers craving a quick, romantic happily-ever-after. 💕

Forced Proximity

Hidden Identity

Slow-Burn Romance

Cinderella-Inspired Romance

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 1 September 2026

The Work Husband By Sophie Ranald

You’re just friends that work together. Nothing more. Riiiiiiiiight?

When Georgia’s boyfriend Sam tells her he’s meeting up with his ex, she’s living every girlfriend’s worst nightmare. Because it’s not just any ex, it’s his first love – the relationship everyone thought would last forever. Convinced she’s one pinot-grigio-fuelled evening away from having to argue custody of their beloved cat, she turns to her work husband for help.

Jamie fixes all Georgia’s work crises (like that time she jammed the printer so badly it started smoking…) so when he suggests faking a romance to make Sam jealous, she’s all ears. After all, he’s already her work husband, how hard can it be to pretend he’s something more?

From flirty texts to a dangerous number of G&Ts in the local pub, Jamie’s declarations of love soon start to get out of hand. Suddenly, Georgia’s not sure her work husband was the best choice to help her keep hold of her (hopefully) future husband.

Georgia has watched enough romcoms to know office romances are not a good idea and, as she soon finds out, even fake ones can be dangerous… Is she prepared for what happens when fake dating turns out to be not so fake after all?

The Billionaire And The Runaway Bride By VH Nicolson

I’m Leon Hill, ex-hockey player, sports agent, and in so much trouble! I have been in love with my best friend’s little sister for as long as I can remember. But she’s off limits. Forbidden. And now she’s getting married. Until she’s not.

Erika Johansson becomes a runaway bride, ending up in my arms. I should turn her away. Tell her no, but the idea of having her is all too tempting. Instead, we do something crazy and I finally get the woman I’ve craved all these years. But if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that our timing is never right. And a bang on the head, where I forget everything, is just another reminder of that.

Right now, my heart is as battered as the puck in the closing minutes of the Stanley Cup, and I’m starting to wonder if maybe this love story was just never meant to be.

A Fall To Remember By Ellie Alexander

Miranda Brown never meant to become famous. She just wanted a quiet vacation—a rare break from running The Green Grocer, the cozy market that’s been the heart of Half Moon Bay, California, for three generations. But when her spectacularly terrible travel photos go viral, Miranda becomes an unlikely internet sensation.

Now a major travel company wants her to cover her hometown’s beloved Fall Harvest Festival, sending the charming (and undeniably handsome) Jim Cole to help capture her authentic, imperfect magic on camera.

As golden leaves fall and the scent of apple cider fills the air, Miranda finds that being yourself is harder than it looks—especially when she’s falling for Jim. But when she learns his job depends on this campaign’s success, she must decide: are his feelings real, or is she just part of his marketing plan?

A Honeymoon In Venice By Veronica Henry

November in Venice, and amid the rose-gold rooftops and canals, Olivia is enjoying a blissful honeymoon with Christopher—husband of her dreams. But while exploring the wonders of the city, Olivia makes a discovery no guidebook could prepare her for: the conman who broke her heart fifteen years earlier—and stole every penny she had.

Olivia knows she should walk away. She’s happily married now. Over it. Isn’t she?

Still, when fate offers her a chance to get her own back, she can’t resist…and with a little help from some unexpected new friends, an ingenious plan begins to take shape…

Throwing caution to the wind, Olivia presses ahead—only to find herself in far deeper than she intended. Is revenge within her grasp, or will her scheme destroy the marriage she’s only just begun?

The Summer Between Us By Jennifer Probst

Once a rising surf champion, Rowan Delaney now works at a Waikiki surf shack, her ocean view a constant reminder of the injury that ended her career. Then she meets Kelsey, a lonely young girl on vacation who has her eyes on the whitecaps and a hunger to ride them. Teaching her is the first thing that’s felt right in months. The only problem? Kelsey’s controlling, workaholic single father—who’s far too attractive for Rowan’s peace of mind.

Hawaii is strictly business to Everett Hale. Open a luxury hotel, secure his promotion, and return to New York with the moody daughter he’s struggling to reach. The last thing he needs is a stubborn free spirit like Rowan teaching Kelsey to chase waves instead of opportunities. But she’s showing his daughter how to be fearless—and making him fall for the one woman he can’t take home.

Like the perfect wave, one summer could change everything…and neither of them is ready for the fallout.

Review Card & Book Review – Not Actually Yours By Sophie L. Henderson

The best way to avoid single-shaming and a broken heart? Fake date Brock Holt—the infuriating yet smokin’ hot firefighter with a saviour complex and tough guy attitude. And the last person I’d ever fall for.

Sworn to singlehood with abandonment issues after my mom walked out, I need a date to my cousin’s engagement party. Anything to avoid being setup with another boring banker. Bitter and twisted after a bad breakup, Brock needs a girl on his arm to impress at a firefighter gala. No strings, no drama, and absolutely no feelings. We have a deal.

The problem is, as I watch him pull a family from a huge car wreck, and after a steamy forbidden kiss in the fire hall, I can feel myself falling. Hard. We’ve hooked up before and I can’t forget how wild those two weeks burned. But I’ve seen the dumpster fire left behind when relationships fizzle out.

The deeper we get into this lie, the more we’re getting to know each other. Brock has a short fuse, but underneath that rugged exterior, he’s protective and considerate.

We’re fooling everyone. But are we also fooling ourselves? Because when the inferno really heats up between us, alarm bells start to ring…

About The Author

My Review

This book is about a guarded teacher and a hot-headed firefighter who agree to fake-date for convenience—only to find their arrangement turning into something far more real.

This romance feels like a step up, delivering the familiar pleasures of the fake-dating trope with warmth, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability. Nix has sworn off love, while Brock is determined to prove he’s ready for a leadership role at the fire station. Their mutually beneficial arrangement quickly becomes complicated, and the story shines as their reluctant partnership deepens into genuine connection.

The cozy seaside setting, meddling family dynamics, and community-centered moment like the fire department dance and school outings add a comforting small-town charm that complements the romance. The chemistry between Nix and Brock feels believable, and their journey from reluctant partners to something more is easy to root for.

Some elements didn’t land perfectly: the characters occasionally feel younger than their ages, and a few family-drama beats feel heavier than necessary. Even so, this remains a cute, spicy, and enjoyable read with promise for the series ahead—especially for fans of fake dating and firefighter romances.

My Rating