Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Rear View By K.C. Harper

Xavier Bosch has yet to find a rally-car course he can’t handle—or a woman he wants to share the road with. He’s worked hard to keep his criminal record a secret, but when the news breaks that his abusive father will soon be released from prison, his past threatens to catch up fast. Letting a woman into his world would only make her a target.

But when a nasty crash brings Ryah Nolan into his life, all bets are off.

Psychology student Ryah Nolan doesn’t trust easy. Not with a professor determined to make her life hell, an ex-boyfriend who isn’t quite an ex…and a terrifying stalker no one but her best friend takes seriously. Letting someone in is a risk. But despite his gruff exterior and need for speed, Xavier makes her feel safe.

The closer Xavier and Ryah become, the more they want to put their pasts in the rear view. As they race the clock and the dangers they’ve run from give chase, one thing is certain—they will win or lose together.

About The Author

My Review

Xavier Bosch is far from your average romantic hero. A rally car driver addicted to speed and haunted by his past, Xavier carries the heavy burden of grief, guilt, and a harrowing family history. His decision to put his abusive father behind bars marks a pivotal and defining part of his character—he’s not just damaged, he’s doing the work to break the cycle. Xavier’s inner struggles add a layer of gritty realism that’s rarely explored so honestly in romance.

Then there’s Ryah Nolan—a psychology student with a soul-deep resilience. For two years, she’s lived in fear, stalked and repeatedly failed by a justice system that’s supposed to protect her. Her journey is both terrifying and infuriating, yet Ryah never reads as a victim—she’s fighting every step of the way. When her path collides with Xavier’s, their bond begins as one of necessity and empathy, but evolves into something beautifully restorative.

The relationship between Xavier and Ryah is anything but rushed. There’s chemistry, yes—but more importantly, there’s time, patience, and emotional nuance. Suspense, romance, and personal growth are perfectly balanced here, with the backdrop of rally racing and psychological tension adding urgency and flair. This is a compelling, emotionally intelligent romance that lingers long after the final page.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Love Fix By Jill Shalvis

Lexi Clark’s life is falling apart!

Summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.

Lexi’s way too focused on her job as an art appraiser, she doesn’t have time to believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Her stepsister, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can’t refuse Ashley’s plea to honor their late mother’s final wish. So, on behalf of her estranged mother’s estate-and with Heath in tow as the executor-Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to.

Soon, all of Lexi’s complicated feelings come to a head; missing her mom, missing Ashley, and most of all, missing Heath. For the record, she doesn’t like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she’s built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family.

And, unbelievably… love.

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of the novel is Lexi, a woman scarred by a lifetime of disappointment from a mother who seemed more absent than nurturing. Her mother’s death reopens old wounds—but also opens the door to unexpected healing, through a series of letters that pull Lexi back to the one place she never thought she’d return. There, she must face both her estranged sister Ashley and Heath, the man who once stirred her heart.

Lexi is a compelling, layered character—guarded and understandably skeptical, but yearning for something more. Her emotional journey feels authentic as she grapples with grief, betrayal, and the possibility of rebuilding the relationships she once gave up on. Ashley, in contrast, brings a sunny optimism and determination that masks her own secrets and motivations. She’s not just the cheerful sister—she’s a woman with her own version of pain and hope, hoping desperately to create the family she missed out on.

Heath, ever the caretaker, is kind and reliable to a fault. His tendency to prioritize everyone else’s happiness over his own sets up a quietly powerful subplot about self-worth and emotional boundaries. His chemistry with Lexi is slow-burn and believable, rooted in shared history, tension, and unresolved feelings.The emotional weight of the characters’ pasts is balanced by the warmth of their present connections. The letters from their mother serve as a catalyst for truth, healing, and unexpected revelations, giving the story depth and resonance.

This is a heartfelt, character-driven story filled with sorrow, redemption, and hope. It’s about finding love—not just romantically, but in family and in oneself.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Rivals To Lovers By Elise Wayland

Mo Denton has been obsessed with the classic feminist novel The Proud and the Lost for as long as she can remember. When Mo puts everything she has into writing a modern adaptation of her all-time favorite book, her agent Yuri loves it—but can’t pitch it anywhere. The original author’s estate must approve any adaptation, and so far, it has never allowed one to go forward.

The agent who represents the estate—Wes Spencer—is also working on an updated version of the beloved story. Promoting Mo’s project would go against Wes’s own interests, and he’s reluctant to bring it to Estelle Morgan, the elderly daughter of the original novelist. But when Yuri contacts Estelle herself, Estelle invites Mo and Wes to her home for a weekend where they will pitch each book to her and let her decide whose book will be approved–and whose work will be destined for deletion.

Soon, Mo and Wes realize that they have more in common than just their love of the original book. As they grow closer and wait for the estate’s decision, will the secrets Wes is keeping ruin the bond between them, or can they find their way to a happy ending?

About The Author

My Review

Rivals to Lovers is a charming enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy featuring two New York-based authors, Maureen (Mo) and Wes, who find themselves in fierce competition to adapt a beloved novel. Despite the rivalry, sparks fly almost immediately, launching them into a whirlwind romance.

Mo and Wes are undeniably adorable together. While Wes may come off a bit prickly at first, he quickly redeems himself, revealing a softer side that balances well with Mo’s vibrant personality. The dual POV format adds depth to their relationship, allowing readers to connect with both characters as their story unfolds.

While the story starts off a bit gently, it builds into a heartfelt and satisfying romance that feels both genuine and charming. The pacing allows readers to settle into Mo and Wes’s world, and the overall tone is light, uplifting, and perfect for anyone in the mood for a bookish romcom with plenty of heart.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 18 December 2025

The Wife’s Irish Secret By Susanne O’ Leary

When Marian Fleury finds a love letter hidden in her husband Theo’s belongings, her heartbreak puts her on the first plane to Ireland. With her sister Claire’s wedding only a week away, she has the perfect excuse to escape to the Irish coast and decide where her future truly lies…

Marian is shocked by how quickly she adjusts to the beautiful sandy shores, shopping for dresses and collecting roses for the perfect wedding bouquet. As the ocean sparkles before her, the wind soft against her face, she manages to keep the pain Theo has caused her a secret and remembers that as a little girl she always wanted Ireland to be her home.

Yet just as Marian thinks her past is behind her, Theo arrives in town. He begs for her forgiveness, his handsome face and olive skin making her heart race like always, and suddenly she wonders if he might start afresh in the village with her.

But when she stumbles upon the woman her husband was sending letters to, in a beautiful cottage among the wildflowers, Marian learns that Theo has an even bigger secret. Can Marian find the strength to take the next steps in her own life, or is she about to lose everything?

Review Card & Book Review – Will You Stay Another Day? By Samantha Tonge

If you could spend just one more day with someone, who would it be?

When Lili sends a jokey ‘knock-knock’ message to her best friend Em, she doesn’t expect to hear back. Because – as Lili notices the chill in the air, and the little robin in her garden – she realises Christmas must be just around the corner once again. A whole year since she last saw Em.

But then this time someone replies. ‘Who’s there?’ It can’t possibly be Em, but Lili wants to believe it could be, and she hastily suggests meeting.

However when she gets to the meeting place, there only one other person there waiting. A man. And not just any man. The most handsome man Lili’s ever seen, Dylan… And he is also waiting for someone he’s been missing.

As the days get shorter and Autumn turns to Winter, will two lonely hearts spend another Christmas without their loved ones? Or can they welcome an unexpected friendship? Or maybe even more, if they can just help each other to focus on not what they’ve lost, but what they’ve found…

About The Author

My Review

It is a novel that blends the emotional weight of grief with the hope of second chances and unexpected connections. At the center of the story is Lili, a kind, selfless young woman who gives so much to others in her small town yet struggles to open up about her own pain.

The novel kicks off with a spontaneous, emotionally charged moment: Lili sends a text to her late best friend Em, never expecting a reply. But when a response does come—from Dylan, a stranger with his own hidden grief—it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Dylan is not only charming and skilled in the kitchen, but also carries a quiet sadness that mirrors Lili’s. Their connection feels fated, gently moving from chance encounter to something deeper and more meaningful. The romantic arc between Lili and Dylan is filled with sweetness, longing, and a touch of magical realism that adds a whimsical, almost spiritual layer to the story. Both characters are healing, and their growing bond becomes a testament to letting go of the past in order to embrace the future.

The novel shines through its heartfelt portrayal of love, loss, and human connection. With a strong focus on compassion and emotional healing, it gently explores the idea that sometimes, the universe—or something greater—intervenes when we need it most. Will You Stay Another Day? offers a tender, hopeful escape for readers who appreciate romance layered with quiet mystery and meaningful introspection.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Most Wonderful of The Year By Beth Moran

Mary never planned to stop running.

With a past she’s desperate to leave behind and a baby on the way, she’s found a new home, deep in the forest, hidden from the world. But when the time comes to go to the hospital, she has no idea that Beckett, the quiet, steady taxi driver who braves the blizzard to reach her, will change everything.

As Mary adjusts to life with her newborn, she finds herself drawn into a local close-knit community she never expected to be part of. Beckett is always there – dependable, patient and offering a friendship she doesn’t know how to accept but slowly comes to rely on.

In a place she thought she’d only ever be passing through, Mary finally learns what it truly means to belong. And as Christmas approaches, she begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, she doesn’t have to do this alone, and that this could be the start of something wonderful…

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of the story is Mary, the co-owner of a wildly successful fashion company in Sheffield. She’s fleeing a painful past when she unexpectedly gives birth—completely alone—in the middle of Sherwood Forest. Enter Beckett, the kind-hearted taxi driver sent to take her to the hospital… but the baby arrives early, in the middle of the New Life Community Church.

With no baby supplies, no plan, and no familiar faces, Mary begins to lean on the people she meets that night. What starts as a moment of desperation slowly becomes something more, as she finds friendship, purpose (by sewing costumes for the church’s Christmas concert), and maybe even love—with Beckett.

The story alternates between Mary’s present and flashbacks to her old life in Sheffield, gradually revealing the heartbreak that led her to start over. Beckett’s perspective adds even more depth, especially as he struggles to care for his beloved Gramps. Both storylines are moving and at times unexpectedly emotional, with a few twists that tug at the heart. The side characters shine just as brightly as the leads. Each one feels real, with enough personality and depth to carry their own novel. They bring warmth, humour, and heart to Mary’s journey.

Ultimately, this is a gorgeous, uplifting story about second chances, letting go of the past, and the power of kindness—perfect for curling up with in winter… or anytime you need a little hope. This novel is more about healing, community, and unexpected new beginnings, making it a beautiful read any time of year.

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Review Card & Book Review – Designing Daphne By Mia Rosette

Designing a collection for the runway is hard enough. But redesigning her entire life? She didn’t spend all those years in fashion school with that in mind.

When an up-and-coming fashion designer’s boss steals her designs and destroys her reputation, Daphne Owens moves across the country and starts over. From the bottom.

But in her move to New York City, finding a job that can cover rent quickly proves to be the least of her worries. Though the job she’s found is in the fashion industry, it’s not really hers yet. First she’s got to audition for six months, in a head-to-head competition with the ruthless Brandon Wright, to determine who is more worthy of the permanent gig.

Once upon a time, that wouldn’t have phased her, but Brandon seems hellbent on sabotaging her at every turn. Changing measurements so her garments are ill-fitting? Stealing her fabric? Trashing her sketches? And then there are those career-ending rumors her old boss is still spreading which, like Daphne herself, have made it from the west coast to the east. How can she possibly win when no one else is fighting fair?

Losing isn’t a good look, and it’s certainly not a look she’s willing to wear. But unless she can figure out a way to come out on top with her integrity intact, she’s going to have to play dirty, too… or risk her entire future coming apart at the seams.

About The Author

My Review

This book is a smart, feel-good romance that blends ambition, rivalry, and resilience in the glamorous world of fashion. Daphne Owens is a rising designer whose career is derailed by a shocking betrayal. Determined to bounce back, she heads to New York City to rebuild her name—and ends up clashing with Brandon Wright, a gifted (and maddeningly smug) designer who seems to thrive on getting under her skin.

Daphne is the heart of this story. She’s sharp, passionate, and refuses to give up, no matter how many obstacles stand in her way. Her journey isn’t just about romance—it’s about proving herself, reclaiming her voice, and learning to trust again. The competitive dynamic between her and Brandon adds plenty of sparks, and their slow-burn chemistry builds at just the right pace.

Set against the fast-paced, high-pressure world of fashion, this story has real Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type energy. The romance is satisfying, but it’s Daphne’s personal growth and determination that make this such a compelling read.

My Rating

Review Card & Book Review- He Falls First By Jill Shalvis

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…

Penny Rose has learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, independent woman. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of the novel is Ryder Colburn—stoic, grounded, and quietly heroic—who has spent his life protecting his younger siblings from the shadows of their traumatic upbringing. His emotional intelligence and patience make him the perfect counterpart for Penny, a woman freshly out of an emotionally abusive relationship and trying to reclaim her sense of self.

What makes this story shine is the slow-burn trust and genuine care that builds between Ryder and Penny. Ryder never pushes; instead, he gives Penny space, and in doing so, helps her rebuild her confidence and belief in love. Their chemistry simmers, but it’s the emotional connection that gives this romance its true depth.

Overall, He Falls First explores themes of trauma and healing with grace, striking a thoughtful balance between emotional depth and lightness that allows space for genuine growth without weighing the story down.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – If All Else Sails By Emma St. Clair

In this grumpy-sunshine romance, school nurse Josie and her brother’s best friend–hockey player Wyatt Jacobs–are tricked into spending a summer together that’s anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie’s brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn’t just one of her sports agent brother’s clients. He’s also his best friend. And Josie’s sworn enemy.

Oh–and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle’s ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt’s first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they’ll be able to make it home without killing–or kissing?–each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt’s layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

About The Author

My Review

When Josie shows up expecting her annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she instead finds herself in the back of a police car—and roped into helping her brother’s best friend, Wyatt, recover from an injury. Josie, a school nurse on break, is less than thrilled. Not only does she have zero patience for stubborn athletes, but she’s also had a long-standing dislike for Wyatt since their awkward first meeting years ago.

Wyatt, a professional hockey player, has been quietly pining for Josie ever since that first encounter. With her brother as his agent and Josie now acting as his impromptu nurse, close quarters force them to face old grudges, buried feelings, and the kind of chemistry that can’t be ignored.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Josie and Wyatt are both well-drawn characters with depth, humor, and relatable flaws. Their emotional and personal growth felt natural, and the progression of their romance was sweet, satisfying, and full of heart.

My Rating

Link To Purchase