Book Review – Page 108

Book Review – Talk Of The Town By Jennifer Bardsley

In this lighthearted romance filled with small-town humor and high jinks, an unsuspecting real estate agent becomes the wildest dream come true for all the single moms—except the one he wants.

They’re coworkers, friends, and confidants, but Peter Marshal has always pined for a little something more with Noelle Walters. As a widow and a single mom, Noelle prefers to play it safe, and falling for Peter was never part of the plan.

Then again, neither of their plans accounted for the well-meaning but meddling actions of Peter’s sister, who offers him up as their town’s most eligible bachelor in the local moms’ Facebook group. He’s none the wiser about the source of this sudden surge in attention, but he only has eyes for Noelle. And from where she’s standing on the sidelines of Peter’s popularity, it’s getting harder to pretend that she doesn’t see what everyone else sees in her best friend.

With all eyes on them, will Peter and Noelle finally see beyond the hurdles to the happily ever after that’s been there all along?

Published Date: 11 April 2023

My Review

Peter, now the town’s most eligible bachelor due to his sister’s social media antics, is a realtor grappling with hidden feelings for his best friend and colleague. Unknown to him, she might not be ready for a relationship. Noelle, a single mother since the loss of her husband, is immersed in her career and her son’s life, aiming never to revert to her old life. While she treasures her bond with Peter, seeing him chased by other women leaves her pondering ‘what if?’

This tale gently transitions from friendship to romance, showcasing a close-knit group of friends navigating life’s challenges. It’s interspersed with humorous moments that keep you eagerly flipping pages. I found it tough to set aside. The author masterfully intertwines complex narratives into a heartwarming romance. The camaraderie among the single mothers was a highlight, adding depth and charm to an already captivating tale.

My Rating

Book Review – Love Blooms At The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Romance has never been so sweet…
While Holly Berry may have finally purchased Just One More and landed a date with one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most eligible bachelors, it is far from plain sailing.

A face from the past threatens to torpedo Holly’s fledgling relationship before it even gets going.

Will everything go according to plan? Or is Holly’s dream life at risk of turning sour?

Published Date: 27 April 2023

My Review

Holly Berry’s journey at the “Just One More” sweet shop unfolds as she embraces her new world with the hint of a budding romance. Holly is fond of her new surroundings, the friendships she’s formed, and her potential romance with the stern Ben. However, when an unexpected figure from her past appears at the worst time, it threatens her budding relationship with Ben.

Distracting herself, Holly dedicates time to volunteering at the nearby elderly care home where she bonds with a lively and flamboyant resident. As her personal life becomes tumultuous, Holly organizes a community auction to fundraise for a dance at the care home, offering two hours of her expertise in a cooking masterclass to the highest bidder.

This tale offers a delightful romance sprinkled with hilarious moments, making it hard to stop turning the pages. Reconnecting with Holly felt like catching up with a dear friend. The vivid descriptions brought the characters and the world to life, immersing me in the narrative. In summary, it was a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

My Rating

Book Review – The Build Up By Tati Richardson

Rumpled and ragged was not how architect Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm. And few things can top the horror of her new—and extremely hot—colleague walking in on her at the worst moment ever. Learning that she’ll be working with him on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback.

With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new project: not his obnoxious rival, not his unpredictable brother and definitely not his new coworker whose gorgeous curves he accidentally saw and now can’t get out of his head.

Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious. But when their shared goal has always been winning at work, building a solid foundation for a relationship might end up costing them everything…

Published Date: 28 March 2023

My Review

Ari James is on a mission to design a soccer stadium in Atlanta, GA, collaborating closely with the captivating Porter. Their chemistry is electric from the get-go, culminating in undeniable passion.

This debut novel delves deep into the journey of rediscovery after an unexpected career setback. Ari grapples with self-doubt, wondering if she’ll ever overcome the stain on her reputation. Additionally, the narrative shines a light on the challenges she faces as a plus-sized Black woman. Ari’s character is commendable; her resilience and self-assuredness, in the face of persistent prejudice from male colleagues and some seemingly benign females, is truly inspiring. Through her sheer determination, she finds both love and professional triumph.

My Rating

Book Review – The Sweet Shop Of Second Chances By Hannah Lynn

Starting over never tasted so good

Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories.

Quite literally.

However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project.

After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be?

Published Date: 27 April 2023

My Review

Holly Berry had managed to get out of the small town she grew up in. She had a steady job and a boyfriend that she planned to spend the rest of her life with…until she caught him in bed with another woman. So she threw a few clothes in a suitcase and went home again. During a walk she saw one of the owners of the sweet shop that she’d worked at in her teenage years. The woman told her that she planned to sell the shop that had so many great memories for Holly to developers and move away. On an impulse, Holly offers to buy the shop. She soon finds out that the shop may have been more work than she planned on.

This is a lovely, heartwarming and, yes, sweet little tale. I love Holly, even if her name does make me chuckle! The sweetshop also brought back memories of my childhood, walking to the local shop with friends to buy a bag of treats.

My Rating

Book Review – A Novel Proposal By Denise Hunter

When western novelist Sadie Goodwin must pen a romance novel to rescue her lackluster sales, there’s only one tiny problem: she’s never been in love.

Desperate to salvage her career, Sadie accepts an invitation to hole up at her friend’s beach duplex for the summer and devote herself to this confounding genre. After all, where better to witness love than on the beautiful South Carolina shore?

But Sadie soon finds many ways to procrastinate the dreaded task—like getting to know the beach regulars and installing a Little Free Library on the property. She even attempts conversation with Sam Ford, the frustratingly stubborn neighbor on the other side of the duplex. But things take an unexpected turn when Sadie finds inside her library an abandoned novel with a secret compartment—and a beautiful engagement ring tucked inside.

Suddenly, locating the ring’s owner becomes the perfect way to put off writing that romance. Sadie draws a reluctant Sam into her mission. And as the two close in on an answer to the mysterious proposal, she discovers a tender side to him. She begins to wonder if he just might make the perfect hero for her romance novel—or maybe even her heart.

Published Date: 21 March 2023

My Review

Sadie, a western genre writer, faces a challenge when her contract ends and she’s prompted to write romance. Having never experienced love, she’s clueless about this new endeavor. To seek inspiration, she retreats to a quaint beach house. Her neighboring duplex resident, Sam, still healing from a breakup a year prior, becomes an unexpected muse. Their connection deepens when Sadie needs help with an engagement ring situation, and in exchange, Sam wants her to accompany him to his cousin’s (and ex’s) wedding. Their chemistry is undeniable.

Sadie’s lively and optimistic nature is refreshing. Although inexperienced in love, this innocence enables her to form a genuine bond with Sam before romance blossoms. Sam’s personal struggles add layers to his character. A subtle subplot about the engagement ring adds intrigue. Witnessing Sadie’s integration into the coastal community is heartwarming.

My Rating

Book Review – Playing It Tough By Amy Andrews

Cosmetic tattoo artist Orla Stewart doesn’t do anything in half measures. She went from being the ultimate party animal to living a life that’s ridiculously straight and narrow. Turns out, cancer can change a girl. A lot. Adios to delicious cheeses, boozy dance parties and easy men. Hel-lo to celibacy and a sweet house-sitting gig with a massive pool. Until one very hot, very unwelcome intruder turns things upside down.

American rugby import Ronan Dempsey’s partying is trashing both his reputation and his game—and risking his chances for making the US Olympic team. He needs to clean up, and the pool house belonging to a family friend is the perfect place to hideaway. No. More. distractions. Which is exactly when a gorgeous, pink-haired hellion knocks Ronan on his ass…

The chemistry is instantaneous, charged, and absolutely, completely, totally off-limits. Proximity makes temptation nearly impossible to resist. Now it’s a deliciously torturous game of pushing boundaries and holding out. It’s just a matter of time before someone breaks…

Published Date: 17 April 2023

My Rating

Ronan, the latest star of Sydney Smoke, curbs his wild lifestyle when he realizes it’s affecting his performance, choosing celibacy for the season. However, he didn’t anticipate his resolve being tested by his new neighbor, Orla Stewart. Formerly a party girl, Orla has led a straight life for the past three years. She’s driven by a fear of breast cancer, a disease that has affected the women in her family, and she’s determined to mitigate her risks. Her fear of loss has led her to avoid getting close to anyone, building emotional walls that seem insurmountable. But Ronan, not deterred by her aloofness, uses his charm to penetrate her tough exterior.

Falling in lust is straightforward for them, but establishing a profound and enduring relationship proves more challenging. Their physical attraction is fiery and intense, but it’s the emotional elements that make this romance compelling. Orla has endured much, and while she’s a fighter, she’s also denying herself a fulfilling life. This book encapsulates the journey of two individuals who, believing they have life figured out, realize they still have room for growth, and in the process, they find love and support.

My Rating

Book Review – The Bachelor Contract By Victoria James

New mom May Peterson can’t believe she’s back in her hometown. She has eight weeks to fix up, and sell, her childhood home. Just enough to say hello to her best friend and goodbye to her painful past. But in the warm, tightly-knit community of Maple Hill, it’s impossible to avoid anyone—especially the cute “boy next door.” And while May is definitely over the idea of love, his irresistible smile still makes her toes curl…

When they were kids, Austin Merrick only ever saw May as his sister’s best friend. Over time, they’d become friends, sharing late-night chats over cheddar popcorn. Now May Peterson has returned with an adorable baby that quickly wraps him around her little finger. But after seeing the damage a broken heart can do, Austin and his brother made an agreement: to never, ever fall in love. No marriage. No kids. Ever.

Now they’re working together to fix up her old home, and sparks of attraction are making it almost impossible to keep to their no-romance rules. But when it comes to love, hearts never play by the rules…especially when it comes to finding “the one.”

Published Date: 17 April 2023

My Review

May Peterson is returning to the hometown she left behind a decade ago. She plans to sell the childhood home she inherited from her mother. Her lifelong friend Callie, along with her family, welcome May warmly, treating her as one of their own, just like they did during their childhood. Callie’s brothers are involved in the construction business, with Austin, the brother May has had a crush on since she was twelve, leading the renovation of her house. The age difference, which seemed too much in their youth, isn’t a hindrance now, and they both find themselves considering what could develop between them. However, May’s stay is supposed to be temporary, until the house is sold.

This is a narrative exploring the concept of family, its presence and absence, and the quest for love, underscoring the joy of entrusting one’s heart to another. It underlines how childhood events significantly shape one’s adulthood. The story is captivating with its rich characters, blending moments of heartbreak and warmth beautifully.

My Rating

Book Review – Cowboy’s Surprise Twins By Leslie North

This grumpy cowboy needs an angel. And he may have just found one…

Cowboy Dean Walters is no stranger to hard work. But when he takes full custody of his infant twins, he has to admit, even he can’t raise them alone while running his ranch. Hiring a nanny seems like a smart move. But hiring a beautiful nanny that makes his blood run hot proves to be problematic, especially as she’s only in this for the short term.

Amira Davis may a godsend for Dean and his new family, but she’s causing this lonely cowboy a special kind of misery, as he slowly realizes he wants something more…

Amira has one rule: she fixes families, but she doesn’t become part of them. Until she meets Dean. This sexy single dad may just be the most captivating man she’s ever met, and his family definitely needs her help.

It doesn’t change the fact she’s committed to leave in two months, and a passionate romance isn’t part of her plans. But for the first time in her life Amira is tempted to break her number one rule. The question is, will it end up breaking her heart as well….

Published Date: 6 April 2023

My Review

Dean was grappling with the unanticipated responsibility of being a father to three-month-old twins, but he didn’t foresee developing feelings for the nanny who came to help, nor did he expect how much she would alter his life. Amira had set boundaries for herself, including not forming close bonds with the families she worked for and never staying longer than two months. However, the instant she saw Dean and started interacting with him and his family, she realized she was headed for a complicated situation.

This book explores themes of loss, the struggle to cope with it, and the journey to survive in the absence of cherished ones. Fundamentally, Amira and Dean are both in pursuit of similar things – acceptance, a sense of belonging, and the warmth of a family. As they steer through their trials, they eventually comprehend that their joint path is the key to realizing their ultimate joy, inclusive of their ‘happily ever after.’

My Rating

Book Review – Chasing Dreams On Sunshine Island By Georgina Troy

Welcome to Sunshine Island – where the beaches are golden, the lifestyle perfect and anything is possible…

Jax Hudson doesn’t mind the cold. He’s still wearing shorts and walking barefoot on the beach. He’s looking forward to spending the season with his girlfriend until she unexpectedly calls time on their relationship.

Alone and feeling very sorry for himself, Jax accepts an invitation to a Christmas Eve party and bumps into Phoebe Bishop who is still mortified about kissing him in the previous summer.

As the first snow flurries delight the party guests, the festive joy soon turns to disaster when a snowstorm knocks out the island’s power. Panic ensues as people realise their holiday plans may have to be cancelled.

Phoebe is reluctantly enlisted by Jax to help transport the partygoers to the comforts of their own homes. As Jax and Phoebe spend time together they realise they have more in common than either had imagined…

Could this be a holiday season full of magic, mistletoe and happy-ever-afters?

Published Date: 17 April 2023

My Review

This book is about Jax Hudson, a benevolent character always ready to help others. He eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with his girlfriend, only to be blindsided when she abruptly ends their relationship.In comes Phoebe Bishop, a character with unresolved matters with Jax from the previous summer. Their paths cross once more at a Christmas Eve party where, due to a sudden storm and power outage, they’re thrust into a situation requiring them to lead the community to safety. This unexpected event leads to them spending more time together, leaving them to question whether there are deeper feelings at play, or if it’s better for them to remain just friends.

The tale of Jax and Phoebe is delightful and captivating. Phoebe’s character particularly enthralled me, offering more depth than initially anticipated. I find her interactions with Jax particularly compelling. Her delightful nature pairs exceptionally well with Jax, enhancing the charm of the story. Overall, I found it to be a truly enjoyable reading experience.

My Rating

Book Review – Under A Greek Sun By Mandy Baggot

Eve Collins is looking forward to the holidays.

Her job as a counsellor has been as taxing as it has been rewarding, and she can’t wait for some downtime on the Greek island of Corfu with best-friend, Gabby. But between Eve’s brother, Ben, unexpectedly joining and Gabby’s job at the animal rescue centre keeping her busy, Eve might have to start mucking in…

When Gianni arrives in the village of Episkepsi, it’s like a model has stepped straight off the pages of Vogue Italia… with an uptight personality to match. He may be super-sexy but there are obvious chips on those broad shoulders.

As Eve and Gianni get to know each other and both start to lean into the Greek customs and avrio mentality, an initial attraction starts to turn into something more. But with so much family drama in both their lives, neither of them were looking for a holiday romance…

Published Date: 18 April 2023

My Review

Eve Collins, a counselor by profession, is eagerly anticipating her upcoming vacation. The demanding but fulfilling nature of her work has left her yearning for a break on Corfu, a Greek island, with her best friend Gabby. However, the unexpected arrival of her brother Ben, along with Gabby’s commitments at an animal rescue center, may require Eve to chip in more than she planned.

Then, Gianni makes his appearance in the Episkepsi village, exuding a model-like charm reminiscent of Vogue Italia, but his personality is rather rigid. As Eve and Gianni acquaint themselves with each other and embrace the local Greek traditions and ‘avrio’ lifestyle, a spark of attraction begins to evolve into something deeper.

However, both have their own familial dramas to untangle before they can dive into a holiday romance. This is a love story where two disparate individuals discover each other amidst turmoil, leading to a blossoming romance. They must, however, confront their past and familial issues before they can enjoy their ‘Happily Ever After’.

The storyline is ingeniously laced with emotional turns that kept me enthralled. At times, I was moved to tears and I found myself unable to resist the pull of the narrative. All in all, I found it to be a delightful read.

My Rating