Book Review – Page 100

Book Review – Bluebell Season At The Potting Shed By Jenny Kane

Spring has arrived at The Potting Shed and things seem to finally be going Maddie’s way. Her relationship with lovable lawyer Ed is going well and the business is thriving with the help of her new friend Jo and his bright orange coffee van.

But troubles are just around the corner… the upgrade of The Potting Shed from a nursery to a garden centre is at a critical point, turning part of Maddie’s business into a building site. And just as she has to temporarily move out of her home, a major garden centre announces its grand opening only twenty miles away.

With money running out Maddie and her sister Sabi must think fast – they only have until the end of bluebell season to save The Potting Shed.

Published Date: 30 March 2023

My Review

This heartwarming tale follows Maddie and Sabi as they inherit their father’s nursery and embark on the journey of transforming it into a garden center. Throughout the story, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, making their path to success a bumpy one. The presence of friends and family at the Potting Shed adds complexity to the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Maddie and Sabi’s journey and loved the direction the story took. The setting, based on a real garden center in the area, felt entirely believable. I’m eagerly looking forward to what unfolds next! This remarkable book stands alone, but having read the previous one will provide a better grasp of the dynamics. It’s a brilliant read from beginning to end!

My Rating

Book Review – Fantasies Of My Best Friend’s Dad By Lavender Skye

An enemies-to-lovers romance that will leave you breathless!

What happens in Tuscany, stays in Tuscany: A sizzling hot romance that defies age and expectations…

When Emmy’s best friend ditches her for a whirlwind romance in Paris, she’s left to explore the hills of Tuscany with the last person she ever expected – Lyla’s enigmatic and devilishly handsome father Nathan. Trapped in a cozy cabin during a snowstorm, Emmy discovers that Nathan is more than just a billionaire banker, but a man with a past…and a burning desire for her.

As the snow melts and their time in the cabin comes to an end, Nathan and Emmy must decide if their fiery passion is just a temporary fling or if it’s the start of a steamy love affair that will last a lifetime.

Published Date: 14 March 2023

My Review

Emmy and her best friend had planned to spend time in Tuscany during winter. However, when they arrived at the airport, the best friend decided to ditch Emmy for a guy. Bestie’s dad, Nathan, then stepped in to drive Emmy to the winter cabin, where she would stay alone. Unexpectedly, they get stranded due to a massive blizzard, leading to a forced proximity situation with a mix of grumpiness and sunshine, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The book has well-executed spicy scenes and is written from dual points of view. The epilogue at the end tied up the ending perfectly, resolving any lingering concerns about how certain things unfolded. Overall, I highly recommend this book for those seeking a spicy and engaging quick read!

My Rating

Review Card – Fantasies Of My Best Friend’s Dad By Lavender Skye

An enemies-to-lovers romance that will leave you breathless!

What happens in Tuscany, stays in Tuscany: A sizzling hot romance that defies age and expectations…

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – Love Notes By Aimee Brown

Mercy Alexander doesn’t believe in love, let alone love at first sight.
There’s one sure fire way of steering clear of heartbreak, and that’s not to get your heart involved in the first place. So what is that irritating flutter she feels every time she sees Brooks Hudson, and why is she finding him so hard to ignore?

Brooks Hudson can’t understand where he’s going wrong.
Doting single father to six-year-old Ali, supportive co-parent with his ex, much-loved friend and respected colleague, not to mention he’s smoking hot. So why is he constantly being dumped, told in no uncertain terms he’s ‘too nice’? Since when was being nice a crime?

Mercy is in serious need of someone to restore her faith in men, and Brooks needs a girl he likes to stick around long enough for him to believe in love again. But when Mercy’s past threatens to remind her of everything she’s scared of, will love be enough to save the day?

Published Date: 23 March 2023

My Review

Mercy has always been skeptical about love, opting for casual dating instead. Due to a history of abandonment, past traumas, and family complications, she maintains a guarded distance from others. On the other hand, Brooke is a divorced individual with a young daughter. Despite his attempts to date other women after the divorce, he often finds himself on the receiving end of rejection. Unbeknownst to him, he tends to rush relationships, unaware that the other person may not share his speed. Years ago, Mercy and Brooke had a brief fling, and now their paths cross once more at an opportune moment. Their encounters become more frequent, leaving them unable to stop thinking about each other.

This book delves into the realm of second-chance romance and friendship. Both Mercy and Brooke face significant challenges that they must overcome, and as their pasts intertwine with their present circumstances, they find solace in working through them together. The strength of the friendship between Brooke and Mercy is a joy to read about. Overall, it is a heartwarming story that touched my heart.

My Rating

Book Review – Shopping With The Enemy By Carmen Reid

The opponents: mothers vs. daughters

The battle scene: a boutique changing room

Fashion-guru Annie’s well-dressed world is falling apart – first she has lost her legendary sense of style, and now her daughter Lauren seems to have become her worst enemy. Even her multi-millionairess friend, Svetlana, is having daughter trouble – she’s at war with Elena over their business in New York.

A trip to a luxurious Italian spa seems like the perfect way for Annie to forget her problems. But celery juice and Pilates can’t solve the disasters that are about to strike . . .

Will Annie rescue her passion for fashion?

And can mothers and daughters ever truly be friends?

Published Date: 17 March 2023

My Review

After experiencing a loss of her artistic inspiration and enduring the humiliation of a disastrous stage performance, Annie is advised to take a break and rediscover her creative spark. Meanwhile, she finds herself grappling with her stubborn daughter, who seems determined to make life difficult for herself. This book offers a delightful blend of humor, relatability, and absurdity. Readers will recognize glimpses of both themselves and their own relationships in Carmen Reid’s well-crafted characters. What unfolds when you’ve done your best to raise your daughter, yet struggle to recognize your own success?

My Rating

Book Review – Finding Love at Roseford Blooms By Fay Keenan

After a rough year, the last place Lizzie Warner wants to be is Roseford. It may be a picture-postcard country idyll, but for Lizzie it will always hold difficult memories from her past. But when the alternative to staying with her Aunt Bee, owner of Roseford Blooms, is moving back in with her controlling parents – well, the choice is easy.

Simon Treloar was born and raised to be the Lord of the Manor, but now he’s had to hand over his beloved Roseford Hall to a heritage charity, he begins to question his usefulness. Can he find a way to make his mark, or is it better to walk away from generations of history and strike out on his own?

When Lizzie and Simon meet, they recognise kindred spirits in each other. But with both questioning their futures, can one magical summer in Roseford help Lizzie and Simon move on from what is holding them back? Or is there too much history on both sides for them ever truly to be happy together?

Published Date: 16 March 2023

My Review

Lizzie’s year has been filled with heartbreak due to her breakup, selling her marketing business to her ex, and enduring injuries from an accident. The thought of spending time with her demanding parents while recovering and planning her future is something she wishes to avoid. When her Aunt Bee offers her the opportunity to stay in Roseford, despite the painful memories associated with certain individuals she’d rather not encounter again, Lizzie decides to accept.

Upon meeting Simon, the owner of Roseford Hall, Lizzie and he develop a friendship that quickly grows into a mutual attraction. They soon realize that they both carry similar dark pasts. Their connection becomes a source of support for one another as they embrace second chances and embark on new beginnings, striving to find happiness together. Additionally, Aunt Bee’s unwavering support for Lizzie adds to the warmth of the story.

Overall, this heartwarming book explores themes of second chances, new beginnings, and the pursuit of happiness. Witnessing the bond between Lizzie and Simon, as well as Aunt Bee’s nurturing role, makes for an enjoyable reading experience.

My Rating

Book Review – The SEAL’s Treatment By Leslie North

She’s helping heal his body, but what about his heart?

Physical therapist Kinley James loves helping her clients—until she accidentally discovers one of them is a Mafia hit man. Now she’s seen too much, and that means her life is in danger. Good thing her sexy new client, Matthew Templeton, is a rugged Navy SEAL.

Matthew is struggling to recover from a serious injury and learn how to be a dad to his recently orphaned niece. He’s committed to powering through his rehab so he can return to the job he loves—and he’s less than delighted when Kinley warns that may not be realistic. Still, not only is she a warm and beautiful woman, she’s amazing with his niece.

And there’s not a chance in hell that he’ll let any harm come to her.

At first, Kinley dismisses the increasingly dangerous “accidents” happening around her, but Matthew is worried… and neither can dismiss their growing attraction to each other. Can Matthew protect Kinley, and confess his feelings for her, before it’s too late?

Published Date: 2 March 2023

My Review

Navy SEAL Matthew Templeton, who sustained injuries during his recent mission in Colombia resulting in the death of his teammate Sebastian, seeks the expertise of Dr. Kinley James, a specialized physical therapist focusing on hand rehabilitation. Matthew hopes to regain his abilities as an explosive and bomb expert, despite Dr. James expressing doubt regarding his chances of fully restoring fine motor skills in his dominant hand for his former role on missions. Undeterred, Matthew remains determined to recover. Coincidentally, they discover that they are neighbors and their paths intersect when Matthew requires assistance with his niece, while Kinley finds herself in need of protection after accidentally overhearing a conversation involving one of her patients.

This book delves into themes of family, friendships, tragedy, and love, delivering a fast-paced and action-packed storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. While all the main characters possess strength, my personal favorite is Matthew. Overall, it provides an enjoyable reading experience.

My Rating

Book Review – The SEAL’s Hookup By Leslie North

Romance and risk go hand in hand when a Navy SEAL’s unborn child is threatened…

Navy SEAL Jonathan Winter and DEA Agent Tabitha Andrews have a long history together. And it’s about to get longer. Tabitha is determined to clear Jonathan’s name after a mission gone wrong. But her case just hit a bump in the road… a baby bump.

The two shared one night of passion—and now Tabitha is in a fight against time. She’s the only one who believes Jonathan is innocent, so she has to keep working the case. And she won’t be allowed to do that if her superiors learn she’s pregnant with the gorgeous Navy SEAL’s child.

Jonathan’s upbringing tells him marriage is the only option when he learns Tabitha is pregnant. And when he realizes her life may be in danger thanks to the investigation, keeping Tabitha—and his unborn child—safe becomes his only goal.

They decided years ago that a relationship between them couldn’t last. But working together to solve a deadly puzzle may send this headstrong couple in a direction neither anticipated…

Published Date: 9 March 2023

My Review

Jonathan and Tabitha share a complicated history. Jonathan is a Navy SEAL, while Tabitha works as a DEA Agent. When their team faces internal betrayal, Tabitha becomes their best hope in clearing Jonathan’s name through her investigation. However, her discovery of being pregnant with Jonathan’s child prevents her from assisting him. Now, both she and the baby are potential targets, and Jonathan must ensure their safety. This well-crafted and captivating story revolves around a suspenseful romance, featuring strong chemistry between the main characters. As they work together to solve the puzzle of their case, their personal relationship begins to unravel. Overall, it is an engaging and enjoyable read.

My Rating

Book Review – Faking It With The Grump By Kate O’Keeffe

Harper
It’s one thing to be dumped by the huge Hollywood star you thought you were going to marry. It’s quite another to move back to the small town you’re both from.

As a booby prize for being shown the door by Dex Ryder, everyone is trying to set me up with their son, their nephew, or their long-lost cousin’s gardener. Either that or they’re throwing me pitying looks that say, “You’re a big loser.”

I’m not going to put up with their patronizing sympathy anymore.

So, when I spot new-guy-in-town Christopher Young, I set out to make him mine. Or you know, pretend to make him mine. I’m still in a horrible funk over Dex, and Christopher is an uptight grump. Not exactly my type.

The fact that despite appearances, he’s gorgeous and doing weird things to my blood pressure doesn’t mean a thing.

Really.

Not. A. Thing.

Christopher
Hunter’s Creek, population next to nothing, is the reason I work all the time. I’m solely focused on buying the town’s lumber mill so I can go back to NYC and get my big promotion. This small town is a means to an end. Nothing more.

That is until the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen superglues her lips to mine in an unexpected and very public way. She’s not the kind of woman I usually go for with her boho dress and ankle boots, but that kiss…

I’m disappointed when she comes up for air and tells me it’s all for show. But if Harper Cole wants me to be her fake boyfriend while I’m here in town, who am I to turn her down? Being attached to a local might ingratiate me to the townsfolk and make my job that much the easier.

After all, dating Harper can only be make believe. Not when my entire future is at stake.

Published Date: 14 March 2023

My Review

Harper, a lively and enthusiastic teacher, finds herself heartbroken after being dumped by her childhood sweetheart. Returning to Hunter’s Creek, a community where she is adored yet pitied due to a viral video, she strives to project strength and avoid the sympathetic gazes of those around her. On the other hand, Christopher, a high-powered city lawyer, visits the town with a specific objective in mind, focused primarily on his work and maintaining a strict demeanor. In an effort to fend off the pitying looks from friends and family, Harper impulsively claims to be dating someone—none other than Christopher himself. Surprisingly, Christopher agrees to this ruse, recognizing that pretending to date a local may alleviate suspicions about his true purpose in town.

This book delves into the intricacies of a fake relationship within a close-knit community, set against an incredible backdrop. The main characters, Harper and Christopher, couldn’t be more different from each other. Harper is gentle, intelligent, and selfless, often putting others’ needs before her own. In contrast, Christopher is gruff, adhering to rules, and guarded when it comes to matters of the heart. The dynamic banter and chemistry between them are truly captivating. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, finding it to be a delightful experience.

My Rating

Book Review – The Winning Tickets By Judith Keim

Sometimes magic happens…

Gabby Willets returns to her hometown of Ellenton, NY, to care for her father, who’s dying of cancer. She and her father are exceptionally close because her mother died giving birth to her in a situation that should never have happened. As Gabby was growing up, she and her father shared a love of cars and even participated in a few races. Her father suggests she work at the Dan Davis Lexus Dealership, where he has been head mechanic for years, and Gabby decides to do it. When a contest is announced with the prize of two tickets for a 10-day Caribbean cruise for the salesperson selling the most cars in a two-month period, Gabby goes for it, competing against the owner’s son, Hank.

Gabby wins the tickets, and she and her best friend, Jessica Knight, board the ship, Tropical Magic, hoping for some magic of their own. The cruise is full of surprises starting with Hank’s arrival with Ashley Phillips, the woman he’s been dating—a woman both Gabby and Jess detest with good cause. Though Hank and Gabby have been attracted to one another, they don’t act on it because dating someone you work with seldom works, and Gabby doesn’t want to lose her job. But as Gabby and Hank get to know one another, magic does happen and suddenly they’re faced with different choices.

Surprises continue, including the most touching surprise of all when Gabby and Hank discover more than a cruise was at stake.

Published Date: 8 March 2023

My Review

This is the tale of Gabby and Hank, two individuals acquainted for years who both work as car salespeople at the local Lexus dealership. Their ongoing competition intensifies as they vie for the grand prize: a luxurious cruise for two. Gabby, raised solely by her father following her mother’s passing during childbirth, returned from New York City to her small hometown to care for her terminally ill father. Hank, on the other hand, is the son of the dealership owner, and his relationship with his father only developed after he moved back to town. Although a mutual attraction existed between Gabby and Hank, they never pursued it due to the dealership’s strict no-dating policy. Gabby intends to bring her best friend, Jessica, on the cruise if she wins, while Hank plans to bring his new girlfriend. In a surprising turn of events, Gabby emerges victorious, only to discover Hank and his girlfriend in the neighboring cabin once aboard the cruise ship named Tropical Magic.

Prepare for an engaging and humorous romantic tale that will keep you hooked with its unexpected turns. The characters in this story are authentic and remarkably well-crafted. The plot is meticulously planned, captivating readers from the very beginning. These characters possess depth, and despite my initial reservations, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Hank. All in all, this book provided me with an enjoyable reading experience that I highly recommend.

My Rating