Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Cross My Heart By Esha Patel

May Velasco has always wanted to be a lacrosse player, and she’s finally achieved her dream: joining her college team on a scholarship. Now she’s got to give her all to keep her hard-fought place on the team.

But then CJ “Colt” Bradley shows up at her college to help with training. He’s a professional player, but he was also her grade school nemesis, and the last thing May wants to do is take pointers from him.

So when they’re photographed having what looks like – but definitely isn’t – an intimate moment at a bar, May’s outraged. But the college is thrilled that women’s lacrosse is getting press.

May and Colt will have to pretend they’re dating until the lacrosse team is happy. But it doesn’t take long before this fake relationship starts to feel all too real, and May begins to question if she really wants this relationship to be fake after all…

About The Author

My Review

This is blends fake dating, college sports, and childhood rivals into a lively sports romance that spotlights women’s lacrosse and the media’s uneven treatment of female athletes. The story follows May, a driven college player, who reluctantly teams up with her childhood rival, pro star Colt Bradley, for a PR stunt.

The premise is compelling and socially relevant, especially in its attention to POC representation and the disparities in athletic recognition. However, the emotional development falls a bit short. May’s defensiveness and Colt’s charm don’t fully evolve beyond surface-level traits, and while their banter is fun, the romantic tension never quite hits the mark.

Still, fans of fake dating tropes and sports-centric stories will find Cross My Heart enjoyable, even if it doesn’t break new ground.

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Review Card & Book Review – Lessons In Life By Julie Houston

The Yorkshire village of Beddingfield is home to the wonderful women of the Allen family: teacher Robyn, wannabe chef Jess, teenage tearaway Sorrel and matriarch Lisa, who holds the whole family together. But underneath her warmth and brilliance, Lisa has a secret – she longs to know who she really is.

In Hudson House, the grand manor on the edge of Beddingfield which is now a care home, lives seventy-something Eloise Howard. With film star beauty but memories fading fast, Eloise is slowly taking one foot at a time back into her past. Born into a prestigious family, her father the owner of the local Hudson’s Mill, Eloise’s life was destined to be one of finishing schools and balls. But when her path crossed Junayd Sattar’s, the most striking and kindest man she had ever met, nothing would ever be the same again.

When Lisa begins to spend time at Hudson House and befriends Eloise, the two women form an unbreakable bond. But unbeknownst to them both, they share secrets that, once uncovered, will change everything they believed about their own lives.

About The Author

My Review

This is another warm, witty, and emotionally rich installment in the Beddingfield series. The novel continues to shine through its vibrant cast. Jess and Robyn remain relatable and strong, despite the chaos around them. Robyn’s jealousy over Fabian feels a bit overblown given her own history with Mason, and Sorrel’s wild behavior continues unchecked—though her storyline takes a serious turn that adds emotional depth. Lisa’s transformation, thanks to her medication, is one of the more satisfying arcs, especially as she finally sees Jayden for who he is. Her backstory and the truth about her birth mother are compelling, even if not entirely surprising.

Karen and Adrian Foley are convincingly awful, and their treatment of Lisa adds a darker layer to the book. Karen’s late-in-life cat adoption is a small, ironic detail that adds a touch of dry humor. Meanwhile, snippets of Eloise’s past and lovable Roger Rabbit bring charm and heart to the narrative.

Though not all loose ends are tied up and some characters’ development may frustrate readers, the storytelling, humor, and strong sense of place more than make up for it. Beddingfield sounds like a place readers will want to return to again and again. A highly enjoyable read with plenty of heart—I’m already looking forward to the next book!

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Review Card & Book Review – All Our Missing Pieces By Sophie Ranald

One house. Four strangers. A secret that changes everything.

When Orla Clifford inherits her grandmother’s crumbling Georgian house on Damask Square, she sees a chance to rebuild her life while restoring its faded grandeur. But beneath its peeling wallpaper and weathered floors, the house holds more than just memories.

To make ends meet, she takes in lodgers: Luke, a handyman with artistic dreams; compassionate Livvie; and Beatrice – young, privileged, and haunted by the question of her own past.

As Orla pours her heart into her morning journal, Beatrice searches through the house’s hidden corners, coming dangerously close to uncovering what Orla has spent decades concealing.

What will happen when the secret Orla has carried for twenty years finally comes to light? Will it destroy the fragile bonds forming beneath this roof – or become the missing piece they’ve all been searching for?

About The Author

My Review

This is a poignant and layered novel that delves into the intricacies of love, loss, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of a crumbling house in Damask Square, the story introduces us to four distinct characters—Orla, Luke, Livvie, and Beatrice—each carrying emotional baggage and seeking a sense of belonging.

Told through alternating perspectives and timelines, the novel skillfully explores how the past shapes the present. It brings warmth and emotional resonance to the narrative, particularly through Orla’s journey of healing and Beatrice’s quest for identity. The character dynamics are compelling, with tensions and tenderness emerging naturally. The themes of forgiveness, secrets, and second chances are thoughtfully portrayed.

While the ending might feel slightly open-ended, it reflects the messiness of real life, where not all wounds heal cleanly and closure isn’t always complete. A touching, emotionally honest read that lingers after the final page.

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Review Card & Book Review- Stuck In The Midlife With You By Freya Kennedy

Your forties just got fabulous… ✨

Becca Burnside is going to make this the year she turns her forties around, and creates a life her 16-year-old self would be proud of… A smidgen of romance wouldn’t go amiss either.

And with a new job, and a blossoming friendship with handsome Conal, she’s off to a great start. Or at least, she was, until her youngest son dropped the mother of all bombshells: his girlfriend, who just happens to be the daughter of Becca’s best friend Niamh, is pregnant. Now Becca and Niamh find themselves not only facing the usual problems that come with being women of a certain age, they’re going to be grannies.

So when Becca’s new job invites them on a weekend retreat, it seems the perfect way to distract themselves from ‘the Situation’. But will wild water swimming and yoga be enough to help the women face the biggest challenge of their adult lives? And can their friendship survive the chaos of a new baby?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows the lives of long-time friends Laura, Becca, and Niamh. Now in their forties, the trio faces a fresh wave of midlife turbulence—ranging from menopause and empty nest syndrome to aging parents and the emotional shock of an unexpected pregnancy.

Told with candid detail and compassion, the book doesn’t shy away from the raw, sometimes chaotic realities of growing older, but instead celebrates the resilience and strength that can come with it—especially when bolstered by enduring female friendships.

Becca takes centre stage this time, beginning a new chapter in her life with a job that leads her and her friends on a quirky retreat. What begins as a rocky getaway evolves into a transformative experience, pushing each woman to confront her own struggles, rediscover her identity, and make bold life decisions. It’s a touching reminder that growth doesn’t stop at forty—and neither does fun.

At its core, this novel is a tribute to the power of shared experiences and unshakeable bonds. With sparkling dialogue, authentic characters, and emotional depth, Stuck in the Midlife With You will resonate with readers navigating the challenges (and unexpected joys) of midlife. Here’s hoping there’s more to come—especially to follow Becca and Niamh into their next role: grandparenthood.

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Review Card & Book Review- Not So Fast By Karen Booth

When the curves are this dangerous, only a race car driver will do…

Mia Neal is a champion overthinker. Find something, fixate on it and spiral down. Fortunately, she puts that energy to good use: a podcast about Formula One, her favorite sport in the world. There’s nothing about racing Mia doesn’t adore. The speed. The drivers. The fierce competition. The single-minded ambition. Ironic for a woman who’s changed careers more times than she can count.

Only now her salty takes on gorgeous Brit driver Xander Bishop have gone viral, and the podcast feels more and more like what she’s meant to do… Then Xander’s teammate invites her to the Miami Grand Prix to see F1 up close—and get in Xander’s head. He’s not exactly delighted at all the shade she’s been throwing his way.

It should be all-out war. Instead, Mia and Xander are stunned by the sudden crackle of…something sexual arcing between them. It’s irresistible, unbelievably hot—all Mia’s warning flags are waving. Because this reckless attraction is coming at Mia all too fast…

About The Author

My Review

This is a fast-paced, heartfelt romance that blends the adrenaline of Formula 1 with the emotional journey of two people trying to find their footing—both professionally and personally. Mia Neal, a bright but restless perfectionist, channels her lifelong passion for F1 into a podcast that unexpectedly draws the attention (and ire) of Xander Bishop, her favorite driver-turned-reluctant romantic interest.

The chemistry between Mia and Xander sparks during their meet-cute at the Miami Grand Prix, setting off a story that’s as emotionally engaging as it is fun. Xander is a refreshingly grounded hero—a self-made man navigating immense pressure, imposter syndrome, and a demanding career. Mia, though sometimes overly dramatic about the fate of her podcast, brings a relatable vulnerability and sincerity to the story. Their romance evolves quickly but with enough charm and realism to keep readers invested.

What sets this book apart is its accessibility—F1 fans will appreciate the nods to the sport, but newcomers won’t feel lost. This story keeps the focus on character growth, emotional stakes, and globe-trotting glamor, making it a perfect entry point for anyone F1-curious.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Guest Cottage By Lori Foster

Marlow Heddings is starting over. She’s carried the outrage of her husband Dylan’s affair with a younger woman—and the expectations of his family’s powerful Chicago holdings company—long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she’s unapologetically moving on.

Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views—and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they’re sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow’s new life feels like a dream.

Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.

To Marlow’s astonishment, Dylan’s “other woman” is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws’ demands, and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they’ll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.

Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship . . . and even a second chance at love.

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender, emotionally layered story of renewal, healing, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild after betrayal. Marlow Heddings, reeling from the loss of her unfaithful husband—whose death ends a painful chapter rather than beginning one—decides to make a bold move. Leaving behind Illinois and her old life, she settles into a charming guest cottage in Bramble, Kentucky, for a six-month stay that quickly becomes transformative.

Marlow is a beautifully drawn protagonist—resilient, sincere, and deeply likable. Her journey of letting go, redefining her future, and rediscovering joy is both heartfelt and empowering. Bramble itself becomes a character, too—its scenic charm and warm community providing the perfect backdrop for healing. Foster’s writing shines in the tender interactions between Marlow and the townsfolk, capturing the kind of small-town magic that makes readers want to pack up and move there themselves.

With its mix of emotional honesty, warmth, and the hope of second chances, The Guest Cottage is a soul-soothing read.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Family Next Door By Zoey Marie Jackson

A little boy in need
Could unite two broken hearts.

After her business goes under, Torryn Emerson is only too happy to return to her hometown and restore the house left to her in her mother’s will. She never expects to find friendship next door. Matthew Lawson finds it difficult to connect with his young son after his wife’s death. So when Connor is drawn to their fun-loving neighbor, Torryn, Matthew asks for her help. As they spend more time together, Torryn can’t help but fall for the little boy and his father…but can they overcome past hurts to become the family they need?

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender, faith-filled romance that gently explores grief, healing, and second chances. Torryn and Matthew are neighbors brought together by heartbreaking loss—Torryn mourning her adoptive mother and Matthew adjusting to life as a widowed father to his young son, Connor. Their growing connection feels natural and comforting, rooted in shared pain and a blossoming hope for the future.

The story leans into themes of forgiveness, emotional courage, and spiritual strength. Torryn’s internal journey—rebuilding her life and making pivotal decisions—adds depth to her character, and her bond with Connor is heartwarming. Matthew’s love of classic hymns like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “It Is Well” adds a soulful, uplifting touch that enhances the emotional richness of the story.

This is a sweet, clean romance that highlights the power of community, love, and faith. It’s a moving and uplifting read, perfect for those who enjoy heartfelt stories with emotional depth and gentle inspiration.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Roommate Experiment By Camilla Isley

Could there be room for attraction?

Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother Dylan for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to change: Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she’s being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?

Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.

But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.

But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?

About The Author

My Review

This book delivers a heartfelt, trope-filled romantic comedy with emotional depth and likable leads. Set around a forced proximity scenario, the story follows Hunter, a STEM-savvy engineer harboring a decade-long crush on Dylan—her best friend’s brother—who unexpectedly becomes her roommate. The twist? Dylan has a girlfriend.

Hunter is an especially strong protagonist: relatable, funny, and refreshingly grounded. Her dating attempts to move past her crush are hilarious yet realistic, and her response to misogyny on a date is empowering. Her role as a woman in engineering adds a layer of representation rarely explored in rom-coms. Dylan, meanwhile, is the quintessential golden retriever love interest—sweet, loyal, and slightly oblivious. His prolonged struggle over his existing relationship is drawn out but ultimately sincere.

Despite being told in third person (which may not be everyone’s favorite), the writing is engaging, and the mutual pining, seduction plans, and slow-burn chemistry create a rewarding emotional payoff. The inclusion of fertility issues like PCOS and endometriosis adds real-life relevance, though these could’ve been explored more deeply. Still, the story ends on a hopeful and satisfying note.

This book is ideal for fans of slow-burn angst, friends-to-lovers tension, and plenty of romantic humor. It’s warm, witty, and well worth the read.

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