Book Review – Page 103

Book Review – My Billionaire Fake Boyfriend By Jennifer St James

She’s dog’s best friend. He trusts no one. When opportunity knocks, will they allow love to run off the leash?

Malibu Beach, California. Maisie Jones’ sparkling smile can’t pay the bills. And after inheriting her grandparents’ debt, the pet photographer is desperate to keep a roof over the heads of her eight senior shelter dogs in need of forever homes. So when her gorgeous and crazy-rich neighbor inadvertently photobombs her latest charity TikTok promo, she’s only too happy to let the world think they’re a hot item.

Born into old money, Brad Zander will do anything to make his mark in Hollywood. And with his reputation in the dumps, he gives in to his agent’s urging to generate buzz with the charming social media sensation next door. But his viral PR boost takes an unexpected heart-fluttering leap when their staged parties and dates transform his cynicism into desire.

Despite Maisie’s growing attraction, she knows she can’t bring Brad the kind of lasting buzz he needs to make his new movie a smash hit. And as Brad hungers to prove himself beyond his wealth, he fears their delightful private cuddles may be coming to a very public end.

Can they stop living for the masses and settle into a cozy network of two?

Published Date: 6 June 2023

My Review

Maisie, a struggling pet photographer dealing with her grandparents’ debt, seizes an opportunity for publicity when her billionaire neighbor, Brad, unintentionally features in her promo. They decide to fake a relationship to boost Brad’s Hollywood image. As they stage outings, the boundary between fake and real feelings blurs. Despite genuine emotions, their differing backgrounds and Brad’s quest to prove himself in Hollywood create challenges. Maisie doubts if she can be what Brad needs in his pursuit of success.

Brad and Maisie exhibited fantastic chemistry, and witnessing their interactions was thoroughly enjoyable. The narrative was delightful and endearing, providing excellent entertainment. It skillfully blended romance and humor, maintaining my engagement and interest from start to finish. Overall, it was a charming tale that I’m pleased to have experienced

My Rating

Book Review – A Wedding Changes Everything By Isabelle Grace

He’s a happy bachelor. She’s vowed never to marry. Then a little girl changes everything.

Holden Blackwood’s brothers are all happily married, yet he has no desire to join their ranks.

His family would love nothing more than to see him settle down with a good woman. But the good woman in Holden’s life, Frankie Malone, is perfectly happy with the “friends with benefits” arrangement they share.

Growing up with a mother who thought her happiness depended on men, Frankie learned the hard way to take care of herself, and that’s how she likes it. Until a child comes into the picture.

When Frankie becomes the unexpected guardian of her young niece, Sophie, her treasured independence comes under threat. And a custody battle with people who don’t have the child’s best interests at heart suddenly puts marriage on the table.

Holden and Frankie agree to commit – for just as long as it takes to secure custody of the little girl.

But can their heads really rule their hearts?

Published Date: 21 June 2023

My Review

Holden, the final unmarried Blackwood son, is keeping his arrangement with Frankie discreet to avoid giving his mom and grandma any ideas, at least until he’s ready to express his feelings to her. Meanwhile, Frankie’s sister abruptly leaves her daughter, Sophie, creating a situation where Frankie must think quickly to safeguard her niece. Facing the challenge of Sophie’s paternal grandparents, Frankie seeks a solution to ensure Sophie’s safety and provide her with the childhood she deserves.In response, Holden proposes a marriage of convenience as a resolution to Frankie’s predicament. This allows him to protect both Frankie and Sophie, with even his dog forming an affectionate bond with the young girl.

An exquisite tale blending romantic and familial love. The Blackwoods provided Holden with a solid foundation, and he adeptly tackles the challenge of persuading Frankie and Sophie that they have a lasting place in his life. The heartwarming resolution for little Sophie adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story. Overall, it is a captivating romance with delightful characters that makes for a thoroughly pleasant read.

My Rating

Book Review – From Cornwall With Love By Cressida McLaughlin

Sunshine awaits in the beautiful Cornish coastal town of Port Karadow where romance and a Cornish cream tea are always on the menu …

There’s no place like home. There’s no place like Cornwall…
Maisie Winters has everything she could ever want. She lives in the idyllic Cornish town of Port Karadow, has a jammy job in her dad’s shop, adores her rescue mutt, and has time to take the landscape photos she loves.

While her best friend and sister left the town to chase big dreams in London and New York, Maisie stayed – she wouldn’t leave her favourite place for anything … or anyone.

When her long-time crush, Colm Caffrey, returns from a decade abroad, old feelings start to resurface. Maisie begins to ask herself if there might be one big thing missing after all?

Published Date: 8 June 2023

My Review

Maisie Winters, content in the idyllic Cornish town of Port Karadow, cherishes her life filled with photography, her job at her dad’s shop, and her rescue dog. However, when Colm Caffrey, a figure from her past, returns, old emotions resurface, challenging Maisie’s peaceful existence. Colm, having spent a decade abroad, stirs up Maisie’s former feelings. As they navigate a potential second chance at love, Maisie wonders if time has changed their fate or if they are destined to be together.

Maisie and Colm emerge as captivating lead characters in this narrative, and their chemistry and shared history add a delightful dimension. Maisie’s positive approach to life and her unwavering commitment to the beloved community make for engaging reading. The story unfolds as a perfect romantic comedy, evoking dreams of Cornish beaches and festivals with cream teas.

My Rating

Book Review – New Beginnings On Railway Lane By Alison Sherlock

Welcome back to Railway Lane.
A feel-good story of new beginnings set in an idyllic English country village.
When high flying, workaholic Katy Smith is suddenly made redundant, she needs to find a job fast!
After mistakenly answering an advert online, she quickly realises that the rundown railway station in sleepy Cranfield isn’t the 5-star London hotels she’s used to working in!
But a job’s a job. Right?
Chef Ryan Connelly is having a crisis of confidence after his Italian dream turns sour.
Returning home to try to pick up the pieces of his parents broken marriage, he soon discovers that his family home, the railway station, is close to financial ruin Can Katy use all of her skills and find a way to save the railway station?
And can Ryan rediscover his passion of cooking once more?
As winter in Cranfield begins to sprinkle its magic, perhaps Katy and Ryan can find their very own new beginning on Railway Lane.

Published Date: 16 June 2023

My Review

Katy Smith, deeply invested in her career, faces devastation upon losing her job at a 5-star hotel. In urgent need of employment, she responds to an online ad for a position in Cranfield, only to discover she’ll be working at a rundown train station instead of the boutique hotel she anticipated. Her fortunes change when she encounters chef Ryan Connolly.

Ryan, whose dreams of conquering Italy soured, returns to Cranfield burdened by domestic drama and the financial struggles of the railway station. Fortunately, Katy joins his efforts, and he envisions her using her skills to bring about a positive transformation. As they spend more time together, Ryan realizes Katy’s impact extends beyond the station to his heart.

The book explores themes of family, relationships, home, love, friendship, and self-confidence. Katy and Ryan are intricately developed characters grappling with their individual challenges. Overall, it is a good read for me

My Rating

Book Review – Salty Kisses By Judith Keim

Salty Kisses might be the sweetest of all…

Olivia “Livy” Winters agrees to spend the summer at Sanderling Cove on the Gulf Coast of Florida with her two cousins, Charlotte “Charlie” Bradford and Brooke Weatherby to help manage The Sanderling Cove Inn while their grandparents take a long road trip in Europe. Livy hopes a summer away from her past surroundings and her job as the owner of a bakery in Virginia will help her forget a traumatic incident there.

Unknown to her and her cousins, the five grandmothers at Sanderling Cove have invited their beloved grandchildren to spend as much time as possible this summer at the cove, hoping that romance might flourish among them.

Livy is delighted to discover other childhood friends there. Though running the inn with her cousins keeps her busy, Livy realizes she needs to find someone she can trust to help her with her issue. Austin Ensley is spending the summer at the cove visiting his grandmother while he decides what he wants to do after selling his successful IT business. As a teenager Livy had a crush on him, and while she has no interest in dating any of the men at the cove, they form a deeper friendship. And when Livy can no longer keep her secret, she turns to him for help. Together they help one another through past troubles and discover tears can bring happiness too.

Published Date: 2 May 2023

My Review

In the 3rd installment of this series, the story revolves around Livy, who joins her two cousins, Charlotte and Brooke, in Sanderling Cove for the summer to assist their grandmother. Unknown to the trio, the local grandmothers are secretly playing matchmakers. While Charlotte and Brooke have already found their partners, Livy remains single, struggling with a traumatic past event that prevents her from trusting men. Having sold her bakery in Virginia, she hopes to find solace in the Cove. Livy rekindles a friendship with Austin, her teenage crush, who recently sold his IT business and now resides in the Cove. As they both confront their past traumas, a romantic spark ignites between them. The series is a captivating blend of family bonds, love, drama, joy, and sorrow.

My Rating

Book Review – No Cooldown For Love By Aliyah Burke

When ex-pro basketball player Mitchell Anderson sees an overturned car on the edge of a cliff during a nasty snowstorm, he knows he has only minutes to rescue the woman trapped inside. What he’s not expecting is their instant attraction, or that she can deliver one hell of a pick-up line even under the most terrifying of circumstances.

Hope Roman’s entire life is on the edge. She’s already overwhelmed with grief and upset, and nearly dying is pretty much the icing on a terrible, soggy cake. So it’s just her luck that she’s suddenly snowbound at a charming little inn with the hottest, yet down right grumpiest, man she’s ever met. And naturally, there’s only one room left.

Now the pillow barrier between them keeps disappearing. And the walls are coming down. But Hope knows she doesn’t belong in Mitchell’s world any more than he belongs in hers. The question is whether either of them can trust the other long enough to play for keeps…

Published Date: 26 June 2023

My Review

In “Cool Down For Love,” Mitchell, a former NBA player, has grappled with the consequences of his fame and crosses paths with Hope, a scientific journalist coping with the recent loss of her father figure. Their paths converge at an inn, where the foundations of their love story are laid. Mitchell’s character exhibits various imperfections, primarily rooted in his preconceived notions about people, while Hope’s own faults encompass her proclivity for keeping her emotions guarded. As their narrative unfolds, both characters undergo significant growth, evolving into more resilient and self-aware individuals. Their love story, marked by its chaotic yet therapeutic nature, is driven by their mutual determination to better themselves. “Cool Down For Love” presents an enticing concept, incorporating many of the romance tropes I typically cherish, such as the one-bed scenario, forced proximity, and a celebrity romance.

My Rating

Book Review – The Love Theorem By Camilla Isley

Are a rocket scientist and one of Hollywood’s brightest stars a match made in heaven or is it a catastrophe headed for a crash landing?

Lana loves four things: science, her cats, her friends, and her books. She’s on her way to earning her professorship when she finds out her long-term boyfriend has been sleeping with her best friend! That discovery has her hiding in the broom closet at a posh hotel.

Only, it turns out broom closets are the place to be these days.

Christian Slade, America’s sexiest man alive (as voted by fans), in a desperate attempt to escape the paparazzi finds himself in a broom closet with one sobbing occupant. Unable to leave a damsel in distress, he offers help, only to realise she has no idea who he is! It’s like he’s been given a gift. A smart, beautiful woman, who isn’t after him for fame and fortune . . .

Soon Christian is buying a Tesla to impress his scientist with his eco credentials and taking her on dates where no one will recognise him.

But as Christian falls in love he worries what will happen when Lana finds out who he is?

Published Date: 13 June 2023

My Review

Movie star Christian Slade seeks refuge from paparazzi at a hotel and stumbles upon Lana, who is distraught after witnessing her boyfriend’s infidelity. Lana has no knowledge of Christian’s celebrity status, which he finds relieving. Christian comforts Lana and offers her a ride home in his eco-friendly car, leading to an instant connection. Lana gives him her business card with her phone number. When Christian calls Lana, he faces the challenge of concealing his fame and fortune, raising questions about what will happen if she ever discovers his true identity.

The book provided a swift and uncomplicated reading experience, with the story unfolding at a steady pace. The friendship and budding relationship between Lana and Christian felt genuine and lifelike, although I had reservations about his decision to conceal his career and wealth from her. It was enjoyable and featured several instances that elicited genuine laughter and numerous heartwarming moments. This book is an ideal choice for Rom-Com enthusiasts, and the prospect of two more books in the series makes it a worthwhile investment of your time.

My Rating

Book Review – We Are Family By Beth Moran

Thirty-three-year-old Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie have some hard choices to make. Following the tragic death of Maggie’s father, they are left with a mountain of debt and broken hearts. So, despite her vow never to return home after the fall-out from her teenage pregnancy, Ruth can’t see any option other than for the two of them to move back in with her parents.

Going home means many things – finally confronting her estranged father, navigating her mother’s desperate need to make everything ok despite the wobbles in her own marriage, not to mention helping a still-grieving Maggie to settle into a new school, find new friends, and stop expressing her emotions through her ever-changing hair colour.

What Ruth needs are friends, but she abandoned her childhood ones when she left all those years ago. Luckily for Ruth, they haven’t abandoned her. Slowly she lets herself be embraced by a group of women who have always had her back – even when she didn’t know it. And as the grief and shock recede, Ruth can even begin to imagine sharing her life with someone other than just Maggie – if Maggie will let her.

Published Date: 15 June 2023

My Review

Ruth and her daughter Maggie are making a fresh start due to Maggie’s father’s death and their overwhelming debt. They move in with Ruth’s parents to sort out their finances and support Maggie. Maggie had left home years ago after a conflict and had vowed not to return. Now, she’s grieving and adapting to a new school and town with Ruth’s help. Ruth also needs a job to support them and pay off the debt, but she’s uneasy about her parents’ conditions for assistance. Fortunately, Ruth’s old friends, including her past love, welcome her back warmly.

The book delves into complex family dynamics and intergenerational relationships, adding depth to the narrative. The characters’ backstories add richness and emotional depth, while the story tackles challenging topics with compassion and empathy. “We Are Family” is a compelling read that lingers in your thoughts long after you finish it.

My Rating

Book Review – High Hopes At The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Special delivery for Miss Holly Berry

A successful summer has seen Holly’s shop thriving for the first time since she bought it, and she has high hopes for the future of Just One More. However, it is not only her business prowess that has been growing. In a little over a month she will be trying to run the shop with a baby on her hip.

If only her love life was so easily managed. With things far from solid with Ben, and Giles back on the scene, Holly might find herself changing more than nappies…

Published Date: 21 June 2023

My Review

The story begins with Holly heavily pregnant, struggling with her life choices, including her job and her complex emotional connections with two men, both of whom have their merits and flaws. As she spirals into keeping secrets from them, her situation becomes overwhelming due to her pregnancy.

This installment delves deeper into the emotional aspects of Holly’s life, taking a more serious approach than before. The story’s ending and the conversations between the main characters significantly influenced the reader’s overall enjoyment. The series offers continuous storytelling and doesn’t conclude Holly’s personal growth in any single book. Witnessing her gradual journey of confronting life’s challenges is gratifying. While some books in the series may resonate more with readers than others, it’s highly recommended for those who prefer following a single lead character with minimal distractions as she learns and evolves.The author’s writing is straightforward and concise, making each book a quick and accessible read, even when dealing with emotional ups and downs.

My Rating

Book Review – It All Started With You by Debbie Howell

I always thought I was going to be a girl who did something. I was going to run my own business and find fame and fortune! Fall in love…

But here I am. Still waiting for it all to happen, sitting on the floor, surrounded by lilies and roses, trying to do my best friend’s wedding flowers because – in her words – ‘how hard can it be, Frankie?’. The answer is actually ‘very hard’ but it’s not the only thing that’s tough right now. My boyfriend won’t commit, I barely have a job, and once again I have the hangover from hell…

What I don’t know is that life’s about to throw me a curveball. A new friend I will make with a beautiful, sad-eyed little boy who is so very tragically ill. I still don’t know about that heartbreak.

Even so, in this moment, I know that it’s time for some changes. Maybe it’s time to make my dreams come true? To try to become a marathon-running, healthy-living, wildly-in-love florist-to-the-stars!

Because I’m beginning to realise that you only get one chance at life. I don’t yet know how you change everything, all at once, but what I do know is it all starts with me…

Published Date: 23 June 2023

My Review

Frankie initially aspired to achieve fame and fortune but soon faced the reality that it wouldn’t be her future. She found herself in an unfulfilling job, with a commitment-phobic boyfriend, and friends who took her for granted. While helping with yet another friend’s wedding, Frankie questioned when her turn for happiness would come. This led her to wonder if she had been seeking happiness in the wrong places.

A chance encounter with a new friend made Frankie realize she had wasted much time. She recognized that life is short and decided to stop waiting and start being the change she desired. Despite the challenges, Frankie is determined to conquer the world one step at a time with hope, determination, and spirit.

I found great pleasure in this book; it’s a heartwarming reminder of how even the tiniest gestures can brighten someone’s day if we’re willing to extend a helping hand. It weaves together elements of drama, a touch of romance, and plenty of moments that bring smiles to your face. It beautifully captures life’s highs and lows, and when faced with challenges, it encourages the idea of turning lemons into lemonade (or adding some gin for good measure).

My Rating