Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – The Heat Of The Moment By Camilla Isley

When a slow-burn attraction finally catches fire…

Four years after losing her husband in the line of duty, ER nurse Lily Finnigan has one goal: raise her daughter and keep her heart safely locked away. Romance—even a simple fling—isn’t on the agenda. Until Josh Collins walks into her emergency room.

Gorgeous, charming, and infuriatingly kind, he is everything Lily doesn’t want—but can’t seem to stay away from. When her apartment floods, her new helpful neighbor turns out to be the sexy firefighter she’s been dreaming of. Now he’s everywhere—offering help, stealing smiles, and slowly breaking down her walls.

Lily insists they can only be friends. She swore she would never fall for another firefighter. But the more time she spends with Josh, the more impossible that promise becomes. And when Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. The moment he walks back through her door battered and bruised but safe, Lily’s instinct is to run from her past and her future… But Josh won’t let her go that easily.

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender, emotionally grounded romance that explores grief, healing, and the quiet courage it takes to love again. Lily is still deeply mourning her late husband, Daniel, when Josh enters her life—first as a colleague at the hospital and then as a neighbor. From the outset, Lily draws clear emotional boundaries, terrified of falling for someone who shares Daniel’s profession and reopening old wounds. Her fear feels authentic, shaped by loss rather than hesitation.

The slow-burn romance is one of the novel’s biggest strengths. Grief isn’t brushed aside or rushed through; instead, it’s woven thoughtfully into Lily and Josh’s developing connection. Josh is wonderfully written—patient, kind, and emotionally intelligent. He never pushes Lily, fully respecting her pace and Daniel’s lasting presence in her life.

Josh’s bond with Lily’s daughter, Penny, is especially moving. He supports and guides her without ever attempting to replace her father, offering steady care without expectations. There’s no jealousy, only understanding. Penny’s choice to welcome Josh without calling him “dad” feels honest and deeply touching. Overall, this is a heartfelt, realistic story about love finding space to grow alongside enduring grief.

Slow-Burn Romance

Second Chance at Love

Single Parent Romance

My Rating

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Starting Over Later in Life

Review Card & Book Review- Escape To Seahaven Bay By Nicola May

Seahaven Bay has always been a place where the sparkling tides bring laughter, love and a lot of fun. But when Rita Jory’s beloved husband Archie dies in a tragic accident, she’s left alone on their failing Cornish farm with nothing but her grieving heart, a mountain of debt and some very badly behaved goats. Faced with selling the home she loves or finding a way to make it pay, Rita has a moment of desperate inspiration. She decides to transform her beloved Seahaven Farm into a place where broken souls can heal by the sea.

With help from her sharp-tongued mother-in-law, loyal best friend, daughter and new friends, the rundown farm soon blossoms into a haven of healing, creativity and community. Rita dares to believe her future might still shimmer with possibility – and even admits her growing attraction to Jago, the gorgeous neighbouring farmer with whom the Jorys had a decades-long feud.

But just as Rita begins to find peace, long-buried secrets about Archie’s past begin to surface, forcing her to question everything she believed about the life they built together.

Rita must discover the truth and decide if she’s ready to open her heart again – to love, to hope, and to the possibility that even after loss, life can still be full of surprises.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about starting over after loss and having the courage to choose yourself, even when it means changing everything you’ve ever known. This book follows Rita, who is grieving the death of her beloved husband Archie while struggling to keep hold of the family farmhouse that is rapidly draining her finances and spirit.

Nicola May beautifully captures Rita’s emotional crossroads as she reflects on a life shaped by her husband’s dreams and begins to question what she wants next. Seahaven Bay, a place that has always brought her peace, becomes a refuge once more, offering warmth, friendship, and a close-knit community that rallies together in times of need. The setting is comforting and vivid, making it easy to imagine yourself there alongside Rita.

What really shines is Rita’s journey of self-discovery. Her willingness to follow her heart, even when it risks upsetting her children, feels honest and relatable. Along the way, she meets a cast of engaging characters who arrive at just the right moments, helping her move forward. Through supporting others, Rita finds renewed purpose, healing, and the strength to face unexpected and shocking family revelations. It’s an uplifting, tender story about grief, hope, and second chances.

Coastal Community Charm

Second Chances at Happiness

My Rating

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Mystery with romantic comedy vibes

Review Card & Book Review – Love Ahoy! by Jo Lyons

Maddie Summers has never been the impulsive type. So taking a new job as a holiday rep in Turkey is way out of her comfort zone. Will embarking on a boat trip with a host of demanding passengers see her all at sea – literally?

But then there’s Jackson, the sexy Australian rep who she’s falling for, hook, line and sinker. Though any chance of romance is complicated by Maddie’s gift for chaos, the powerful family onboard ship (including their light-fingered five-year-old), and a supervisor with secrets he’ll do anything to keep hidden.

Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about a chaotic holiday that turns into an unexpectedly heartfelt adventure, blending romance, mystery, and travel mishaps in a nostalgic mid-1990s setting. Love Ahoy! by Jo Lyons is a quirky, fast-paced read that leans into the charm of pre-smartphone life, where missed connections and misunderstandings drive both the humor and the plot.

The throwback atmosphere is one of the novel’s biggest strengths. Once the story moves onto the cruise ship, the pacing sharpens and the enclosed setting gives the narrative focus, allowing the mystery elements to shine. The romance relies heavily on instant attraction rather than a slow emotional build, which may not work for all readers, but Maddie’s personal journey is genuinely rewarding. Watching her confidence grow as she pushes beyond her comfort zone adds depth and balance to the lighter moments.

A standout aspect is Maddie’s relationship with Emir, which brings warmth and emotional grounding amid the chaos. Tonal shifts between rom-com and mystery can feel abrupt, yet they also make the story feel playful and unpredictable. Overall, this is an offbeat, entertaining escape—perfect for readers who enjoy nostalgic vibes, travel chaos, and genre-blending romances with heart.

Forced proximity

Travel romance

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Celebrity x athlete romance

Review Card & Book Review – On Thin Ice By Kelly Jamieson

Marek’s world is on the ice, Nicki’s is on the stage. But their worlds collide in one steamy night in Vegas…🌶️

Marek

Playing for the New Jersey Storm I know how to handle the heat – on and off the ice. But nothing compares to Nicki Sullivan. We collided in Vegas: One wild night, no strings and a spark I couldn’t shake. We went our separate ways, but I never stopped thinking about her. When I see she’s involved in an accident that nearly takes her life, I drop everything and drive to New York. She’s broken, shaken… but still the woman who set my world alight. So I bring her home with me — to recover, to breathe… and maybe, to see if that spark between us still burns.

Nicki

After the accident, I can’t face the music — or the world. The last person I expect to show up is Marek — sinfully hot, too good to be real, and suddenly my rescuer. I should push him away. Instead, I let him take me to his apartment, where everything feels dangerously safe. But it’s not just comfort — it’s him. The heat between us is impossible to ignore and being with him feels right. But I can’t hide away forever. Falling for him is a risk because this time the ice beneath us may just crack.

About The Author

My Review

This Book Is About two high-profile lives colliding when star hockey player Marek and rising pop sensation Nikki meet at an All Stars game and spark an instant, electric connection. Kelly Jamieson delivers a swoony sports-meets-celebrity romance that blends glamour, vulnerability, and genuine emotional growth.

Their early whirlwind feels deliciously impulsive, capturing the thrill of attraction when everything is shiny and possible. Reality soon intrudes, though, as demanding careers and long-distance pressures pull them apart. When Nikki is injured in a traumatic concert accident a year later, the story deepens. Marek’s instinctive return to her side reveals a hero with far more heart than his playboy reputation suggests, and his steady presence becomes a powerful source of comfort and healing.

What truly shines is Nikki’s emotional arc. As she recovers, she’s forced to confront the relentless pressure she’s placed on herself and reassess what success really means. The romance matures beautifully, moving beyond insta-love into something grounded, tender, and earned.

On Thin Ice is heartfelt, comforting, and quietly sexy—a satisfying read about second chances, emotional healing, and choosing love without giving up your dreams.

Instant chemistry

Second chance

My Rating

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Female friendship and found family

Review Card & Book Review- Love By The Book By Jessica George

This isn’t a romance. But it is about love.

Remy is lucky. Her three best friends have always been there for her – until the day that they’re not. One of them is moving to New York. One of them is pregnant. And one is busy with her (awful) boyfriend. Suddenly, their foursome is splitting – and it feels like a break-up.

Simone doesn’t need friends. The only people she needs are her family – but when they cut her off, she realises how alone she is.

When the pair meet in a bookshop, they don’t immediately click. But as life keeps throwing them together, they realise that they might just have bumped into exactly what they need… if they can only be brave enough to let each other in.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about the enduring power of female friendship and the surprising ways new connections can help us grow through change. In Love By the Book, Jessica George explores the deep bond between Remy, Nova, Lin, and Melissa—four women who believe their friendship will last forever. As life gently pulls them onto different paths, Remy must learn how to navigate change, loss, and reinvention without losing herself.

Alongside this is Simone, a woman who has always relied on family rather than friends, until an unexpected rupture leaves her rethinking what connection truly means. Through a series of chance encounters, Remy and Simone are drawn together, and their developing friendship becomes a quiet, thoughtful highlight of the novel.

George excels at character-driven storytelling, capturing the warmth, complexity, and emotional nuance of long-term friendships. Remy and Simone’s contrasting personalities—one open and gregarious, the other reserved and introspective—create a compelling dynamic, and watching their bond grow feels both realistic and rewarding.

The novel takes its time, allowing themes of belonging, identity, and emotional resilience to unfold naturally. Thoughtful and reflective, this is a rich, emotionally intelligent story that will resonate with readers who appreciate depth, relationships, and personal growth.

Emotional healing and personal growth

Opposites-attract friendship dynamic

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Fresh start / new beginnings

Review Card & Book Review- The Floating Venice Bookshop By Annabel French

Beth loves everything about living in Venice. The meandering canals and the cobbled streets have captured her heart, so when she loses her job and fears she’ll have to return to England, she’s devastated.

When she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, it seems like fate. Beth has always dreamed of opening a bookshop that combines her two passions: art and books. She just needs to be brave enough to take the leap.

Enter Marco, a gorgeous, passionate Venetian art promoter. Their chemistry is instant and electric, but Beth needs Marco’s local knowledge to launch her business and the last thing she wants is a distraction. However, as they work together, it becomes clear how hard it is to ignore the sparks flying between them.

The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose: should they face their fears and give love a chance? Or walk away forever?

About The Author

My Review

This book start with Beth on the brink of an unwanted return to London when her dream secondment in Venice abruptly ends. Unwilling to leave the city that has captured her heart, she makes an impulsive, life-altering decision: buying a floating bookshop on a barge. Not usually a risk-taker, Beth’s leap of faith leads her into a joyful spiral of bold choices, new friendships, and the delightful bonus of inheriting Polo, the resident cat—an instant win for any book lover.

As Beth settles into Venetian life, she befriends Cesca and her charming brother Marco, whose PR work with local artists dovetails perfectly with Beth’s vision for the bookshop. Their collaboration sparks immediate chemistry, but practical concerns and emotional hesitations keep them circling each other in a delicious will-they-won’t-they dance.

Annabel French brings Venice vividly to life, from its winding canals and architecture to its mouthwatering food and artistic soul. The supporting cast is warm and engaging, and the romance unfolds with a gentle, teasing charm. This is pure escapism—a cozy, feel-good read that wraps you in romance, books, and the magic of Venice, leaving you with that irresistible warm, fuzzy glow.

Friends to lovers

Slow-burn romance

My Rating

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Healing from Grief and Loss

Review Card & Book Review- A Wedding In Provence By Alison Roberts

In the golden light of Provence two fragile hearts are about to collide for a second time ☀️

Sophie Taylor has spent years creating dream weddings under the Provençal sun, pouring love into every detail—except her own heart. After losing her fiancé in a tragic accident, she rebuilt her life from the ruins, turning heartbreak into beauty for others. She never expected him to walk back into it.

Luc Moreau, the man behind the lens and the one mistake she’s never forgiven. Returning under the guise of Le Phénix, the world-famous but reclusive photographer. – he’s the last person she wants to see—yet the only man who ever truly saw her.

Forced to work together at a fairytale château, Sophie and Luc find themselves revisiting the past they buried. And against the backdrop of the South of France, memories resurface, truths unravel, and the spark they once denied begins to reignite. But when Luc’s secret identity—and their shared history—are exposed, Sophie must choose: Sophie must choose: protect the life she’s built or fight for the love of her life.

About The Author

My Review

This is about a romance that quietly disarms you, using lavender fields, sunlit stone villages, and a picture-perfect French wedding as its cover for something far more emotional and resonant. What begins as gentle escapism soon reveals layers of unresolved grief, simmering resentment, and a slow, delicious pull between two people not ready to let go of the past.

Sophie is a wedding planner who excels at crafting flawless happy endings for others while carefully avoiding her own. Her vulnerability feels authentic and deeply relatable. Luc, a brooding photographer weighed down by guilt and secrets, initially fits a familiar mold—but Alison Roberts gives him nuance, tenderness, and emotional depth that quickly win you over.

Provence itself is gorgeously rendered: warm sunlight, incredible food, ancient châteaux, and a rhythm that invites reflection and healing. The setting enhances the story without overpowering it.

What truly sets this book apart is its emotional maturity. Love doesn’t erase pain here; it coexists with it. Grief lingers, forgiveness is earned, and healing is gradual. Tender, bittersweet, and quietly powerful, this is a second-chance romance that satisfies the heart while respecting its scars.

Second Chance Romance

Forced Proximity

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Catch The Flame By Juliana Stone

I came to Fire Lake to outrun my past.

A broken-down car, an empty wallet and one loyal dog — that’s all I had when I stumbled into this small town I didn’t plan to stay in.

Then I met Gus Lawson.

Ex–Navy SEAL. Carpenter. Six-foot-five of trouble wrapped in muscle and quiet control. He’s the kind of man who can fix anything — except whatever’s broken inside him.

I tell myself I don’t care. But every time his gaze finds mine, my resolve cracks a little more.

His touch scorches. His kiss tastes like danger. And when he says my name, I forget every reason I ever had to run. He’s not the kind of man you fall for — he’s the kind you burn for. And I’m already going up in flames.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about two wounded souls finding connection, healing, and hope in a small town layered with secrets, longing, and second chances. Set in Fire Lake, it delivers a beautifully paced, emotionally rich slow-burn romance that simmers from the very first meeting.

Gus is a broody, grumpy, irresistibly compelling ex–Navy SEAL returning to confront fragments of a past he barely remembers. Faith is gentle, resilient, and deeply haunted, rebuilding herself after a life-altering trauma. Their connection unfolds with exquisite restraint, filled with aching attraction, quiet vulnerability, and moments that pulse with unspoken emotion.

Juliana Stone’s storytelling truly shines in the gradual unraveling of their histories. Each revelation deepens the bond between Gus and Faith, keeping the tension high and the emotional stakes even higher. I was completely invested in their journey, often reading with a sense of breathless anticipation, desperate for them to trust each other and take that final leap.

The romance is intense, layered, and deeply satisfying, with character growth that feels earned and authentic. By the end, the emotional payoff made every moment worthwhile. Catch the Flame is a gripping, heartfelt read, and I’m genuinely excited to return to Fire Lake for the next story.

Grumpy x Sunshine

Small-Town Romance

Slow-Burn Romance

My Rating

Link To Purchase