Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Manic Pixie Dream Earl By Jenny Holiday

When not writing, poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, spends his time fending off the young ladies of the ton—and some of its young men—and avoiding his cruel father. As heir to the earldom, Edward knows he must marry someday. Alas, he is already hopelessly in love with someone. Hopeless because not only is Miss Julianna Evans not a member of the aristocracy, she is employed. She is a magazine editor—the only one to publish his work. Also, in all their years of increasingly personal correspondence, they’ve never met.

Also, she thinks he’s a woman. Named Euphemia.

Julianna is baffled. How can her soul mate not want to meet? Could it be that Euphemia is not the simple country girl she claims to be? Perhaps she’s wealthy. After all, she’s never cashed any of the bank drafts Julianna has sent. Perhaps Euphemia simply doesn’t want rank to come between them. Well, no more. Having extracted the details of a trip Euphemia is planning, Julianna squanders her meager savings and surprises her at the scene.

He is very, very surprised. As is she.

Now the two will have to decide what is true, what is not, and whether the truest thing of all—love—just might be worth an earldom . . .

About The Author

My Review

The novel follows Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, a gentle, eccentric poet hiding from high society, his cruel father, and the pressure of his title. Under the pseudonym “Euphemia,” he’s been secretly publishing poetry through a women’s magazine edited by Julianna Evans—his pen pal of many years and the woman he’s quietly fallen for. The only problem? Julianna thinks “Euphemia” is a woman.

When Julianna decides to meet her mysterious contributor in person, she discovers the truth in spectacular fashion. The reveal sets off a beautifully complex story of class differences, personal trauma, identity, and the risks we take for love. Edward is a standout hero—sweet, strange, and deeply lovable. His voice is so strong that his chapters shine particularly brightly. While Julianna is admirable in her ambition and determination, her actions during the third-act breakup may divide readers.

Despite moments where the story slows (especially when side characters take center stage), the romance remains compelling and emotionally sincere. Their connection, built through years of letter-writing, gives the relationship a rare emotional foundation that makes the eventual romance feel earned and believable.

Manic Pixie Dream Earl is a refreshingly original Regency romance that blends humor, emotional depth, and a clever twist on the epistolary trope. The author delivers a story that’s both heartwarming and offbeat, with characters who feel both modern and grounded in their historical setting. The author handles difficult themes such as childhood trauma, grief, and emotional abuse with sensitivity, adding weight to what could have been a purely light-hearted romance.

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Review Card & Book Review- Never Tear Us Apart By Rowan Coleman

Fate has brought them together. Will time tear them apart?

2025

Named after a star, war correspondent Maia knows how to find the brightest stories – the tales of survival and strength – hidden amongst the dark realities of combat. Now, travelling to Malta to visit her estranged father, with one more chance to build a relationship with her last remaining relative, she’s here to find her own story: never having found somewhere – or someone – she can call home, she’s desperate for answers that might show her where she truly belongs. But when she arrives on the beautiful mediterranean island, she realises her long-lost family is full of more secrets than she could possibly have imagined. . .

1942

Maia wakes up to find herself on an island under siege, a city in ruins – and knows she must have been sent here for a reason. Who has she been sent to save? Or is it Maia herself that needs saving? And just when she’s finally found what she’s been seeking . . . will time separate them forever?

My Review

This is a moving, beautifully written timeslip novel that weaves together family, hope, and a love that crosses the boundaries of time. The story unfolds between wartime Malta in 1942 and the near-future of 2025, following Maia Borg as she embarks on a deeply personal journey shaped by history and emotional healing.

In the present day, Maia returns to Malta to see her estranged father, David, a withdrawn and gifted artist. Their reunion is tense, and after a painful argument during a drive, Maia loses control of the car. When she opens her eyes in hospital, she discovers she has somehow awakened in 1942, right in the midst of the Siege of Malta. As she struggles to understand her new reality, she encounters relatives from the past and meets Danny, a Canadian Spitfire pilot whose kindness and courage draw her in.

Through her time in the past, Maia begins to uncover truths about herself, her family, and the meaning of love. Blending history, romance, and emotional rediscovery, this heartfelt novel shows that connection and healing can reach across generations.

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Review Card & Book Review – Her Hometown Bull Rider By LeAnne Bristow

A cowboy’s heart…
Is forever

Veterinarian Becky Maxwell has returned to Coronado, Arizona, with one goal—to divorce the cowboy she secretly married. Becky’s loved Coy Tedford most of her life…and in return, he loved the rodeo more than anything else. But just when she has accepted that some cowboys were never meant to settle down, she finds that Coy isn’t the same ambitious bull rider she married. He’s started running his family’s campground and is determined to prove that he and Becky belong together. But how can she trust that her cowboy has turned in his chaps for good?

About The Author

My Review

Coy Tedford is a retired bull rider who’s traded the rodeo circuit for quiet days working at his family’s campground in Coronado, Arizona. Since his wife Becky kicked him out, he’s been drifting—unsure of his purpose, except that he knows one thing: he wants her back. When Becky unexpectedly returns to town for the summer, now a veterinarian and carrying divorce papers, Coy is jolted into action. What starts as a standoff soon becomes a slow, hopeful journey of rediscovery.

Becky, torn between her obligations to her family’s ranch and her own career, is equally unsure of what she wants. As the two navigate the complex emotional terrain of their failed (and secret) marriage, they begin to understand what went wrong—and what might still be right between them. Both are strong, stubborn characters, which makes their emotional growth all the more satisfying to watch.

This is a story grounded in realism, especially around the theme of miscommunication—a problem that derails many relationships. With a warm small-town setting, endearing animals (especially the horses!), and an authentic emotional core, Her Hometown Bull Rider is a heartfelt and quietly powerful second-chance romance that explores what happens when two people grow up—just a little later than expected—and realize love deserves a second look Overall it is a sweet, uplifting read about second chances, personal growth, and finding your way home—to both a place and a person.

My Rating

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RevIew Card & Book Review – Desired Hearts By Cissy Mecca

The Rules of the Bachelor Pact – Never stay the night…

Parker

All I ever wanted was to be part of a family. But that’s what I have found in The Bachelor Pact.That’s why I’ve moved into the Heritage Hill Inn in Cedar Falls. To help with the renovations and plan my next move. I wasn’t looking to meet anyone, but sometimes people are meant to show up in your life I guess. Delaney is everything I didn’t know I was looking for. But I made a promise to the guys…Never stay the night.

Delaney

I should know better than to fall for the dirty-talking confirmed bachelor Parker. But no one said anything about getting stuck in a cozy, snowbound log cabin together and indulging in a scorching, no-strings fling! Parker Scott may have a reputation as “the nice guy,” but he’s also a ruggedly sexy commitment-phobe who does more than just sweet-talking! So despite the sizzling chemistry crackling between us, I don’t take his flirty innuendos too seriously. And that suits me fine, I’ve sworn off relationships for good. But everything changed that weekend. Now I’m hopelessly addicted to Parker’s unique mix of tenderness and sin. Was this eternal bachelor perhaps not so sworn to the pact after all?

About The Author

My Review

Set in the charming small town of Cedar Falls, Desired Hearts follows Parker, a lifelong resident and member of the Batchelor Pact—a group of men who’ve vowed to remain single after witnessing the heartbreak caused by unfaithful fathers. Enter Delaney, a newcomer to town and a pharmacist trying to rebuild her life after being hurt by love more than once.

Though Parker and Delaney have mutual friends, it takes time before their paths cross. When they finally meet, there’s an undeniable spark—but both carry the weight of past heartbreaks that keep them guarded. It’s only during a group ski trip that they begin to consider that maybe love is still worth the risk.

While I appreciated the premise and enjoyed the cozy small-town atmosphere, I found the pacing of Parker and Delaney’s relationship a little jarring—the shift from friends to something more felt too sudden to be entirely convincing. That said, I liked that both characters had personal dreams and ambitions beyond their romance, which added depth to their individual journeys. Overall, this is a sweet, slightly steamy story that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy small-town romance with themes of emotional healing and second chances.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Living The Good Life By Celia Anderson

New beginnings. Old wounds. And a village with its own secret to happiness. . . ✨🦋

The peaceful village of Willowbrook seems to be the ideal place for a new lease of life – at least according to Nell’s husband, Barney. With an empty nest and coming towards retirement, he’s persuaded her to try country living. Their cottage even has an annexe that’s perfect for Barney’s widowed father, Frank.

Nell is less sure about this fresh start… and it’s not long before cracks in her thirty-year marriage begin to appear. Instead of spending more time together, she and Barney seem to be drifting apart. Frank, too, is unsettled.

A weekly community group exploring the secret of happiness provides a way for Nell and her father-in-law to navigate their new surroundings. Nell finds some friends, and Frank is quickly taken in hand by the neighbourhood matriarchs – the self-styled ‘Saga Louts’!

But will questioning what makes her happy push Nell even further away from Barney, especially when she discovers the secrets her husband has been keeping? Or can opening up to others help old wounds heal and bring them back together once more? What really is the secret to happiness?

About The Author

My Review

Living The Good Life is a warm, uplifting tale about change, family, and second chances. When Nell, her husband Barney, and his grieving father Frank relocate to the countryside, each brings emotional baggage and uncertainty. While Barney is all-in on their fresh start, Nell and Frank are more hesitant—but soon, the charm of rural life and the support of new friendships begin to work their magic.

Nell and Barney’s rekindled connection is particularly touching, as they rediscover their spark with the energy of teenagers. Frank’s journey through grief, and his evolving relationship with Nell, is both heartwarming and realistic. The humor, especially in interactions between Frank and the witty Beryl, adds levity and charm.

The novel tackles relatable, real-life issues with sensitivity and insight, making it not just a comforting escape, but also a thoughtful read. The characters feel like friends by the end—endearing, flawed, and deeply human. A delightful and moving story about finding joy in unexpected places.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Hot To Go By Kristen Bailey

The vacation ended. The heat didn’t…

Meet Suzie Callaghan: French teacher, newly single, newly heartbroken. After an awful break-up, she heads to Mallorca for a much-needed holiday with her cousins, expecting sun, sangria, and siestas.

She isn’t expecting to fall in love – especially not with the handsome Spaniard who rescues her when she gets separated from her group during an ill-judged midnight skinny dip.

But what starts as a steamy holiday romance built on white lies and mistaken identities turns into something more complicated when “Carlos” shows up at the school she works at.

Except his name isn’t Carlos. It’s Charlie Carter, and he’s the new Spanish teacher.

Now they’re stuck in department meetings pretending they haven’t seen each other naked, both feeling thoroughly duped, both wondering if that hot holiday fling can exist in real life? But when they’re thrown together again on a school trip to Seville, the heat between them proves impossible to resist.

About The Author

My Review

Suzie, fresh off a breakup, escapes to Mallorca with her cousins in search of sun, sangria, and absolutely no strings attached. What she doesn’t expect is to be rescued—literally—by a devastatingly handsome Spaniard during a late-night mishap. Their chemistry is instant, electric, and unforgettable. But just when she thinks she’s left “Carlos” behind on the beach, reality smacks her in the face: he’s not a holiday mirage—he’s Charlie, the new Spanish teacher at her school. What elevates the story is its blend of emotional honesty and comedic timing. Suzie is smart, messy, and relatable, while Charlie is more than just the smoldering beach savior—he’s thoughtful, sincere, and totally swoon-worthy.

Their reunion in Seville during a school trip is peak romantic comedy, brimming with sunshine, suppressed longing, and the kind of chemistry that makes readers giddy. Through it all, Bailey keeps the tone light and fun without skimming over Suzie’s emotional growth, allowing the romance to deepen beyond the holiday heat.

Overall, it is a feel-good, sexy romp with heart, humor, and just the right dose of chaos. Unputdownable and utterly delightful.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Summer Escapes On The Scottish Isle By Lilac Mills

Will she give everything up for love?

Freya Sinclair has it all. An exciting life in London, a successful career as a ceramicist and a handsome boyfriend. But when she receives a call that her father is in hospital, she drops everything to support his recovery in Skye.

On the island, Freya finds new inspiration – Coorie Castle’s craft centre is firing her creativity and she’s glad to be back with her dad again. Being so close to her schoolgirl crush, Mackenzie Burns, is an added bonus. The two share an instant connection and Freya misses London less and less.

But Freya has a boyfriend at home and now a dazzling job offer in New York. She must figure out what she truly wants, before anyone gets hurt.

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Freya, who returns to the remote Scottish island of her childhood to care for her estranged father, Vinnie, after he falls seriously ill. Their relationship is fractured, but what unfolds is a deeply emotional and believable journey of reconnection and forgiveness. Freya’s quiet strength and unwavering commitment to being there for her father—even when it means putting her own life on hold—makes her instantly lovable and easy to root for.

The father-daughter dynamic is one of the standout elements of the book. Mills handles their complex relationship with nuance and tenderness, showing the slow rebuilding of trust after years of absence. It’s touching, real, and never overdone.

The romance between Freya and Mack, a local islander, is a slow burn done right. Their connection grows gently and organically, grounded in friendship, witty banter, and emotional honesty. Mack is thoughtful, respectful, and incredibly supportive—especially as Freya untangles her complicated feelings for her ex, Hadrian. (And yes, Hadrian firmly earns a place on the “you blew it” list.)

One of the most charming aspects of the novel is the sense of community. The islanders genuinely care about each other, and the way they rally around Freya and Vinnie adds warmth and depth to the setting. The village feels like a character in its own right—comforting, familiar, and always present.

With its heartfelt emotional arcs, authentic characters, and a strong sense of place, this book is a beautiful exploration of second chances—both in family and in love. It’s cozy, poignant, and uplifting, with just the right mix of realism and romance. Overall, it is tender, slow-burning gem that lingers long after the final page.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – When We Were Young By Elaine Hastings

Spring, 1994. Will, a talented busker, falls for Emily, a quirky art student. By 1997, Will is playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, and Emily is unveiling her first gallery show. They spend a whirlwind summer touring with Will’s band, caught up in their love for their art and each other.

But within two years, Will is dead.

Spring, 2016. Emily remains single. Her art is long forgotten. Now, life revolves around her 16-year-old daughter, Liv. But when Emily accidentally reveals she once knew Will, Liv is stunned. How could her ordinary, predictable mother have known someone like Will Bailey?

And why does Emily blame herself for his death?

About The Author

My Review

This book is a beautifully crafted dual-timeline novel that explores the weight of the past and the quiet, powerful moments of connection between generations. Told across two timelines—1994 and 2016—it follows 16-year-old Liv, a music-obsessed teenager who idolizes the late Will Bailey, a tragic musical figure from the ’90s. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that her seemingly ordinary mum, Emily, once knew Will intimately—and may have been part of the mystery surrounding his untimely death. The time transitions are smooth, the pacing tight, and the emotional pull immediate. The alternating POVs give a layered understanding of both Liv and Emily, as well as the people who orbit their lives. One of the standout characters is Magda—vibrant, honest, and memorable in her own right.

What sets this novel apart is its emotional authenticity. Themes of grief, guilt, lost dreams, and the fragility of mental health are woven in with care and insight. The inclusion of the “ask twice” campaign is subtle yet impactful, reinforcing the novel’s message about listening, understanding, and compassion. This is a novel that lingers—both for its nostalgic brush with the ’90s music scene and its deeply human story of love, loss, and second chances. Overall, it is a moving, multi-layered coming-of-age story with emotional depth and lyrical heart.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Dating Dr Love By Rachel Dove

Diagnosis: career chaos…

Doctor Chloe Henry is a no-nonsense surgeon gunning for a promotion. All that stands in her way is her smug colleague, Doctor Johnathan Carson, who’s beloved by the board for his charm and for simply being a man. When a one-week medical conference promises her a chance to shine, Chloe packs her power suits and determination, ready to crush it—or at least avoid strangling Carson.

Take once a day…

Enter Logan Broderick, aka Doctor Dante Love, TV’s hottest (and most medically inaccurate) neurosurgeon-slash-plastic-surgeon. After yet another scandal involving booze, starlets, and bad decisions, Logan’s sent to the same hotel to lay low. But things go awry when Logan and Chloe literally crash into each other—half-naked—in her bathroom. Cue viral chaos.

Prescription: Romance!

To save face, Logan proposes they fake-date. She’s the real doctor to his fake one; he’s the PR boost she didn’t want. But as bickering turns to banter and sparks fly, Chloe wonders: can Dante Love save her?

About The Author

My Review

Dating Dr. Love is a fun, fast-paced rom-com that delivers equal parts charm, heart, and escapist delight. At its core is Dr. Chloe Henry, a fiercely capable surgeon determined to earn her place on merit, not her last name. When she heads to a career-defining medical conference, she’s laser-focused on crushing team-building challenges and nailing a pivotal presentation—until Logan Broderick quite literally bursts into her life.

Logan, the scandal-prone star of a hit medical drama (and Chloe’s secret celebrity crush), accidentally ends up in her hotel room—with paparazzi not far behind. To save both their reputations, they strike a deal: a fake relationship that, predictably and delightfully, becomes something more.

The fake dating trope is handled with warmth and wit, but what makes this story shine is its heartfelt character development. Chloe is a brilliant, introverted woman navigating not only a high-stakes career but also the weight of family expectations and the isolating pressure of professional perfection. Logan, on the surface a carefree playboy, turns out to be far more—thoughtful, sweet, and struggling with the shallow side of fame.

Their chemistry sizzles, their banter sparkles, and their emotional journeys feel grounded, even when the premise is delightfully over the top. Chloe’s social anxiety, Logan’s quest for meaning, and the slow-burn trust that develops between them give the rom-com fluff a deeper emotional core.

Dating Dr. Love is a feel-good romance with heart, humor, and just enough heat. It’s a smart choice for a summer beach read—or any time you need a joyful mental escape.

My Rating