Book Review – Page 114

Book Review – Cornish Clouds and Silver Lining Skies By Ali McNamara

Meteorologist Sky Matthews does not like surprises.

Sky monitors her life like she does the weather, carefully and with a scientific eye. So, when she misses out on her dream job abroad and finds herself with no choice but to take a position on a tidal island off the Cornish harbour town of St Felix instead, she feels completely at sea. Worse still, she has to work alongside TV weatherman Sonny Samuels, who barely knows his storms from his tsunamis.

It doesn’t take long for Sky to become enchanted by the strange weather patterns over St Felix. Sonny is convinced they link to local folklore, but Sky knows her science too well to fall for that. Until she meets Walter, a local weather watcher with no qualifications beyond a lifetime of experience and Sky is forced to question everything she thought she knew about the weather, herself… and Sonny

Published Date: 18 August 2022

My Review

Sky Matthews travel to a little Cornish town, St Felix to study strange weather patterns. She still recovering from sickness and is driven to prove that she is back to her old self after a long time off. She is expecting a trainee to be with her and never expect a weather presenter, Sonny Samuels. At the town, she get know local people like Walter, Ant, Dec and Kate.

The story have mysterious element and a main character with chronic illness ME. The author did a splendid job in describing how the disease affect Sky. Love both the main characters. Overall it is a lovely lighthearted read for me.

My Rating

Book Review – New Family Required By Carmen Reid

Sasha Greenhope has a very lovely life. Her marriage is solid, her only daughter is delightful, and the family business is going full steam ahead.

The only blip on the horizon is the upcoming family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary at Chadwell House – the family pile. Sasha just does not fit with her rich family. Her French mother, Delphine thinks everything Sasha does is a faux pas.. And siblings, Adele and Beau, are clearly the favourites, leaving Sasha surplus to requirements

So when Sasha’s husband Ben takes this exact moment to reveal that they are about to go bankrupt, Sasha wants to be anywhere but stuck in a lavish marquee!

Swallowing her pride, and a whole bottle of fizz, Sasha determines to ask her family for help – and maybe even a loan – only to discover that her parents and siblings are all keeping secrets of their own!

Published Date: 13 July 2022

My Review

Sasha have a lovely marriage life.. she thought she have it all until the day that her husband Ben told her that they are about to go bankrupt. That is just a few days away from her upcoming family reunion for her parent’s 40th wedding anniversary. She threaded this occasion when her siblings, Adele and Beau are attending too.

It is a story of family, relationship and secret where communication is so powerful that it can hold or break a relationship. There are many conflict that is being revealed and as a reader I was surprise and shock by the revelation.Overall, it is an enjoyable read.

My Rating

Book Review – Seduced by the Spare Heir By Andrea Laurence

Going from black sheep to king, with the help of one very special woman…

Gabriel Montoro’s worst nightmares are realized when his older brother abdicates the throne of Alma, leaving fun-loving playboy Gabe next in line. Now he needs to shape up—fast. That’s where Serafia Espina fits in.

The exquisite ex-supermodel can school him in the social niceties. But as they get into the royal routine, Gabe begins to see this old family friend in a very different light. Soon the protocols are out the window, and Serafia is sharing his bed. But is this angel hiding something that could threaten what they’ve begun?

Published Date: 7 July 2022

My Review

Gabriel is the a fun loving carefree playboy and he never expected to play the role as the King of Alma. His brother has just abdicated for a life with his wife and child that they are expecting. Gabriel need to change his image and he seek his friend Serafia for help. Serafia is a supermodel who left the glamour life behind. She doesn’t need another spotlight after trying to keep low but helping Gabriel to be the best King is her priority.

Both Gabriel and Serafia’s character had a special connection that hard to describe. They both wounded by life and I love how their friendship grew and turn into love. It does come across as a fairytale story where there is a King as the main characters but the story line came together well. Overall it is a good read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – A Bride for the Italian Boss By Susan Meier

Holiday romance on the menu?

Passionate chef Rafe Mancini is renowned for his food—and his temper! No one meets his exacting standards, until stand-in maître d’ Daniella Tate breathes new life into his restaurant, and Rafe…

Daniella is only visiting the picturesque Tuscan village of Calanetti, but with Rafe she finds the sense of belonging she’s always craved. Clutching her ticket home, Daniella must make a decision…return to her old, safe life or stay as Rafe’s bride!

The Vineyards of Calanetti

Saying “I do” under the Tuscan sun…

Published Date : 7 July 2015

My Review

Daniella is in Italy to find her foster mother’s family and found a job as a hostess in Rafe’s restaurant. Rafe had trouble to connect with his customers and employees. Daniella performed very well in her hostess role that she become a big hit with the customers. During their working relationship, both Daniella and Rafe find themselves to be attracted to each other. But unfortunately Daniella make a mistake and Rafe fired her. Daniella left the job but Rafe soon come to realisation that he need Daniella in his life.

It is a heartwarming read for me as it was beautifully written with characters each overcoming their own personal fears and insecurity to find happiness in the end.

My Rating

Book Review – An Italian Dream By Kate Frost

Best friends since childhood, Fern Chambers and Stella Shaw have been through everything together and are at a crossroads in their lives.

Carefree Stella has a monumental secret and down trodden Fern’s happy life is not all it seems.

With their 40th birthdays approaching, a luxury holiday to the island of Capri is a chance for them to reconnect, let their hair down and celebrate in style. But untold truths and frustration bubble beneath the surface, turning what should be a holiday of a lifetime into an opportunity to make life-changing decisions.

Far from home, where anything feels possible, secrets are revealed, heartache is shared, love discovered and new friendships forged.
Will their Italian dream turn into a nightmare or lead to newfound happiness?

Published Date : 7 July 2022

My Review

Stella won a huge lottery and planed an expensive getaway together with her bestie Fern and daughters to celebrate their 40th birthday. A time for them to reconnect and celebrate in style. However, it is far from what Stella expected. It was in this trip, that Fern comes to know something that both Stella and her own daughter is hiding.

It is a story of relationships, expectation and dreams. 2 besties away from their usual day to day life are force to face their own issues and make changes in their life for the better. Both Stella and Fern are very different but share the same vulnerability. Both of them lacking in confident in facing their own relationship. There is a twist in the story at the end.Overall it is a beautifully written that captured my attention from the first page.

My Rating

Book Review – When It Falls Apart By Catherine Bybee

Brooke Turner has always had a complicated relationship with her father. But when his health takes a turn for the worse, she drops everything to care for him. He’s her dad, after all, and he needs her. What Brooke doesn’t anticipate is the unraveling of her long-term relationship and a cross-country move to San Diego’s Little Italy.

Luca D’Angelo is the oldest of three children and a single father to a young daughter. When his mother rents the top floor of their house to Brooke, he’s angry. Who is this beautiful stranger with no ties to the neighborhood? Can she be trusted in such close proximity to his family?

As Luca learns of Brooke’s difficult journey with her ailing father, his heart softens. And Brooke, who witnesses Luca’s struggle as a single parent, develops feelings for him, too. But when it all falls apart, will love heal their wounded hearts?

Published Date: 21 June 2022

My Review

Brooke found herself back to take care of her father once again. And this time, she leave her boyfriend for good afterall, he is not as good to her as she might have wish for. Her dad is in bad shape and she need to get him into assisted living , and arranging all his things away. Luca is a single father to Frankie and eldest son who running the family restaurant with the help from his mum and sibling. While talking to his mum, Brooke found out that his mum is looking for tenant for apartment above the restaurant. Luca is not happy that his Mum renting the place to Brooke but soon, he learn about Brooke’s life and obligation. Things started to change then.

Didn’t really expect much when I start reading this book but this is a story that can pull your interest and you end up being sad at the ending because you don’t want it to end. Love both the characters very much, Luca being a family man, protective of his loved ones and caring while Brooke dealing with her father issues with sincerity despite the back story of what happened between them before. Overall it is a sweet and emotional read for me .

My Rating

Book Review – Falling For My Hot Neighbor by Rachael Brownell

There’s a professional line in the sand. One I refuse to cross. I can’t afford to if I want to keep my secrets safe. To keep my life from falling apart again.

Those boundaries are tested when he moves in across the hall.

My new neighbor might just be the sexiest man I’ve ever seen. He’s also my patient’s brother which is why he’s off limits. But with him this close, I find it hard to ignore my attraction to him. To deny the spark between us. To avoid the magnetic pull I feel.

Because Alex is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man.

Kind and sweet, with a dirty mind and a touch that lights a fire inside me.

And he loves my son.

Which scares me the most.

It’s not just my heart at risk. The closer Alex gets, the more I fall for him, the more I risk exposing everything I’ve worked so hard to keep hidden.

Published Date : 9 June 2022

My Review

The story begin with Alex getting help for his substance abuse sister, Daphne. As their parent still around, he have to lie on their background info to get her to be admitted to a rehab. It was there, he met Harley to who he is instantly attracted. The story continue with how he end up being her neighbour and meeting her son. Having feeling the same for Alex, Harley tried to avoid it from develop further as it is unethical as she is Daphe’s counselor. With the complication that she have with her son, Harley doesn’t need anymore complication in her life.

It is an sweet read for me. Love the way Alex tried to get help for her sister and his willingness to risks everything for her. Loved watching on how the relationship between Alex, Harley and Phoenix developed.

My Rating

Happy Publication Day – 4 August 2022

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks.

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives. And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities.

Book Review – Under Pressure by Kelly Moran

You have the right to remain…sexy.

As sheriff of Redwood Ridge, Parker Maloney has learned to bite his tongue at the ridiculous antics of the town’s matchmakers. He’s just grateful they’ve never messed with him before. Except it kind of seems like he’s their next target. They keep sending him on one wild goose chase after another with a single common denominator–Madeline Freemont. Whatever. Maddie spent their youth terrorizing him and he has zero interest in reopening the claw marks. No matter how beautiful or intuitive or funny he finds her. Nope. He’s laying down the law on this one. Yet there’s something to her hot-as-hell spine of steel act he can’t figure out and she’s beginning to unlock the cell on his restraint.

Maddie Freemont’s no newcomer to the cold shoulder. Most of the town never warmed up to her. Or tried. So when her ex leaves her high, dry, and so in debt she’s forced onto the street, it’s no shock there aren’t any offered helping hands. She’s making due by taking any odd job she can to scrape by. Even though she would’ve done anything for Parker’s attention once upon a time, the last thing she needs is to be on his radar now. Why they suddenly keep crossing paths is a mystery. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore his handsome, subtle charms–and how he’s working his way under her resolve to expose desires she long ago shoved aside.

Published Date : 31 March 2020

My Review

The story started with Parker met Madeline after she leave Redwood Ridge after a fraud scandal committed by her father and fiancé. Most of the town people did not believe she was innocent and clueless of the crime. She has been back to town for sometime but no one is aware her presence. Parker always believe she is innocent and Unbeknownst to them, the town’s Battleaxes have Maddie and Parker under their radar. They keep getting thrown together.

This is a powerful story and I couldn’t help but shed few tears reading it. I loved the story plot that brought both Maddie and Parker together. This is the first book that I rated 5 ⭐️ for year 2022.

My Rating

Book Review – Residual Burn By Kelly Moran

Some flames can’t be extinguished…

Jason Burkwell is all about the next adventure. Whether it’s an emergency call as lieutenant on Redwood Ridge’s fire department or a pretty woman between the sheets, he gets in and gets out. He has no interest in being trapped by anything or anyone. But when he’s manipulated into a charity auction for his station, something tells him he’s about to get hosed. Especially when the town matchmakers shove quiet, shy Ella Sinclair in his path. Constantly. Every encounter with the brown-eyed beauty makes him realize the simmering attraction and strange tug of emotion is beyond basic heat. Together, they’re combustible. If only he can figure out what she’s hiding…

Ella Sinclair’s been burned before, and she’s got the scars to prove it. Ever since her return to Redwood Ridge, she’s had more than a little crush on a certain gorgeous firefighter. Except Jason doesn’t know she exists. To trigger his memory would mean reliving the worst day of her life, and she’s worked hard to move past the pain. Venturing out of her safety zone is tough enough, never mind that hero worship leaves her with a horrible case of babbling-itis. Her heart’s becoming more engaged the longer they spend together, but his sudden interest can’t possibly last when he discovers she’s not the ideal image of perfection.

My Published Date: 24 September 2019

My Review

Both Jason and Ella found themselves being the target of the Town’s Battleaxes, consist of busybodies who ruled the town and have a love to matchmake. Ella was tasked to deliver a tuxedo to Jason as she is a member of committee that organise The Bachelor Auction. Jason found himself being forced to take care of a cat that he rescued and which he nothing about cat. Jason seek Ella’s help as she also owned a cat herself.

Ella is physically and emotionally scarred from a fire that has killed both her parent. She was a quiet lady and often people doesn’t know she was in the same room with them. Jason on the other hand, is good looking but abit of a loner. He lost his dad when he was 8 year old and doesn’t allow himself to get serious about anyone.

The characters are easy to relate to. Love how they balance each other and make me glued to the story. Overall, this story is an emotional read to me .

My Rating