Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Love To Hate You By Marina Adair

Summer Russo believes in destiny and true love . . . which is why she sank her life savings into reviving a nearly bankrupt indie bookstore. But just as she starts to get the hang of the business, a big-box shop moves in next door.

Wes Kingston is the cut-throat CEO of the bookstore chain, and he doesn’t believe in love—or failure. He runs his business the way he runs his life, alone. And he isn’t going to let a fiery femme fatale change that (even if she’s gorgeous).

At least Summer has her family’s annual vacation to look forward to. But when she arrives at the beachside cabin, she realizes her sister has brought along not only her boyfriend but a second guest—his brother, who just happens to be the same surly-but-infuriatingly-sexy bookstore mogul.

Neither Summer nor Kingston will go down without a fight. But when one thing leads to another and fighting turns to foreplay, both find themselves stuck in a battle for the block—and for their hearts.

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance that blends humor, heart, and emotional growth. The story follows Summer, a fiercely independent bookstore owner, and Wes, a polished British businessman whose chain store threatens her livelihood. Their initial interactions are full of witty tension and clashes, as both try to protect what matters most to them.

Things take a turn when they’re unexpectedly forced together at a family gathering, leading to meaningful conversations and surprising emotional connection. As they begin to see past their assumptions, mutual respect and attraction grow. Summer’s loyalty to her family and deep connection to the bookstore make her a compelling character, while Wes’s hidden vulnerability and devotion to his brother give him unexpected depth.

The story is filled with warmth, funny family dynamics, and believable emotional development. With themes of vulnerability, second chances, and understanding, Love to Hate You is a satisfying, feel-good romance about learning to open your heart to love—even when it starts with conflict.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Summer Of You And Me By Denise Hunter

Five years after her husband’s death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie’s heart, and Josh’s unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.

But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan’s twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.

The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man’s true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn’t sure she wants those answers after all.

About The Author

My Review

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter is a heartfelt, well-paced romance with short chapters that make for a quick, engaging read. The central love story is clean, emotional, and thoughtfully developed, with characters whose struggles feel authentic and relatable.

A standout is young Zoey, written with charm and age-appropriate dialogue—something often difficult to capture well. She adds warmth and heart to the story.

While most of the characters are strong, Will’s storyline feels less believable. The mystery around his lineage unfolds late and in a way that seems far-fetched, with a resolution that may feel a bit uncomfortable due to past circumstances.

Still, the book handles emotional themes with care and honesty, offering a satisfying blend of romance and depth. It’s an enjoyable, uplifting read about love, healing, and the complexities of relationships.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 8 September 2025

Everything Changes But You By Sarah Bennett

Is home always where the heart is? ✨

Running a café by the sea in Halfmoon Quay should be a dream job for Issy Kernow, but the view reminds her of everything she’s lost since her parents’ death. She’s relied on no one but herself and her eccentric grandmother, Maud. But as Maud finds unexpected love, Issy begins to feel restless and lonely. Could it be time for a change?

Liam Penrose has always lived up to his family’s expectations, but after a failed relationship and a job he hates, life in London isn’t fulfilling. When a gift from his great-uncle offers the chance to take over a run-down hotel in Halfmoon Quay, Liam is torn. Returning home means a career change—and a chance to reconnect with Issy, his teenage love who slipped away years ago. Is it too late for Liam to risk everything and return to the life he once dreamed of?

In this heart-lifting story of love and second chances, will Issy and Liam discover that, when everything changes around them, some things were always meant to be?

Review Card & Book Review- Joyride By Ellen Meister

Joybird Martin—an Uber driver with cheerfulness to spare—desperately wants to be a life coach.

She’s so sunny about her chances that even her snarky father—a has-been TV writer with a failed third marriage—can’t dim her light. So when he shows up broke on her doorstep, Joybird takes him in with no questions asked, trying to find a balance between her bright optimism and his sarcastic pessimism.

It works, and she continues sharing her earnest wisdom with her Uber riders. After she helps handsome Wall Street exec Devon Cato, he convinces her to become a life coach from the front seat of her Honda.

As Joybird’s dreams take the wheel, she finds direction for her clients…and herself. She’s not sure what to do about her attraction to Devon, but she soon learns exactly what she can do for her father. And a journey into his past might just pave the way for her own bright future.

About The Author

My Review

This is a warm, funny, and heartfelt novel about Joybird, a 31-year-old former Uber driver turned life coach. With her sunny outlook and genuine compassion, Joybird helps others while navigating her own complicated relationships, particularly with her manipulative, narcissistic father, Sid. Though deeply flawed, Sid is written with nuance, making him both frustrating and oddly compelling.

Joybird’s friends are another highlight—Betty is fiercely loyal and protective, while Devon brings quiet warmth and depth. Their support contrasts the dysfunction in Joybird’s family and adds richness to the story.

Though the big reveal at the end is somewhat predictable, the emotional payoff is still satisfying. The novel encourages optimism and self-reflection without being preachy. With its relatable characters and uplifting tone, Joyride is a feel-good story that lingers, and Joybird is the kind of character readers will truly miss. A sequel would be more than welcome.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Best Days Of Our Lives By Helen Rolfe

When Mallory receives life-shattering news, she decides to use this summer to make sure her family and friends are prepared for whatever might come.

But Mallory has a challenge when it comes to her mother, Gigi. Following the loss of her husband, Gigi is lonely. So when Mallory makes a shocking discovery that shows a new side to Gigi’s relationship with her estranged sister Rose, she decides to intervene and make a last attempt to reunite them.

Returning to her mother’s quiet hometown, Mallory and her cousin Penny try to get to the bottom of a dispute that has lasted more than sixty years, involving a lost wedding dress and a heartbreaking secret. But with Rose and Gigi determined to ignore their daughters’ efforts, will Mallory be able to put her affairs in order before it’s too late?

About The Author

My Review

Mallory is facing a difficult time—her daughter Jilly is struggling in school, and life-changing news has left her anxious about the future. More than ever, she needs the support of her family. However, her mother and aunt have been estranged for years, creating a rift that makes coming together nearly impossible. Determined to mend the broken relationship, Mallory, along with her cousin and best friend Penny, devises a plan to bring them back together.

As the story unfolds, past and present timelines intertwine, revealing the history behind the sisters’ falling out. Central to their rift is a wedding dress, which carries its own emotional weight and deep-rooted secrets. Through themes of family, forgiveness, grief, and even romance, this book delivers a poignant and engaging read. While the story has its somber moments, it also offers humor and uplifting scenes, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of warmth and reflection on what truly matters in life.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Secret Beneath A Riviera Sky By Jennifer Bohnet

As one door closes, another one opens…

When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.

At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.

Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.

As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?

About The Author

My Review

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a heartwarming novel that delves into family bonds, resilience, and the impact of the past, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the French Riviera. The story follows three generations of women—Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine—as they embark on a journey to uncover long-buried family secrets, forcing them to confront past wounds and redefine their relationships with one another.While the Riviera setting adds charm to the story, it could have been more vividly described to fully immerse the reader in its atmosphere. Additionally, while the book successfully explores emotional depth, certain moments could have been given more weight to heighten their impact. Overall, Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a compelling and fast-paced novel that will resonate with fans of contemporary women’s fiction and multi-generational family dramas. It offers a touching exploration of rediscovering the past, healing old wounds, and embracing the hope that comes with new beginnings.

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Review Card & Book Review – How To Fix A Broken Heart By Nicola May

Gracie Davies is at an all-time low. After a devastating loss, the last thing she needs is a colleague hinting over coffee that it’s time to lose her baby weight. Then her boyfriend betrays her, and her world totally falls apart.

Rebuilding her life from scratch – with the support of her free-spirited sister, an unorthodox therapist, and a feisty new friend – Gracie finally begins to get her mojo back. Add in a passionate fling with handsome landscaper Ed, a fairytale encounter with a Hollywood film star and the persistence of her adulterous ex, and life is anything but predictable…

Soon she finds that community, purpose, and perhaps even new love might be the perfect prescription for a broken heart.

But can a heart that’s been so utterly shattered ever trust again?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt and uplifting novel about Gracie’s journey to heal after a devastating miscarriage, betrayal, and the loss of her dreams of motherhood. After losing twins halfway through her pregnancy and undergoing an emergency hysterectomy, Gracie is consumed by grief. Her pain deepens when she discovers her partner, Lewis, has been unfaithful. Determined to reclaim her life, she leaves him and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

As Gracie navigates her new reality, she throws herself into building a business, forming new friendships, and even exploring romantic possibilities. While none of her love interests feel like the perfect match, her most meaningful relationships are with those who truly support her, especially her sister. Their bond is one of the highlights of the novel, offering warmth and humor amid the heavier themes.

Despite its serious subject matter, the book maintains a light and hopeful tone, making it an engaging and relatable read for anyone who has faced loss, heartbreak, or unexpected life changes. While some subplots involving minor characters may feel less compelling, the core of the story—Gracie’s resilience and personal growth—shines through. This novel is a touching exploration of rebuilding after tragedy, proving that even after the darkest times, happiness and new beginnings are possible.

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Review Card & Book Review – Catch A Falling Star By Laura Carter

📸 Wedding photographer Lyra Clarkson has built a career capturing other people’s perfect moments. She loves her job – despite her family’s disapproval – but she’s never quite found her own path.

🎸 Wedding singer Guy Walker, former rock star, has hit a new low. Desperately needing cash, he’s agreed to take any gig his manager can get him, even if this new form of entertainment isn’t just singing.

As Lyra and Guy’s paths cross – in the most bizarre way possible – an unexpected kiss will change everything. But was it simply a chance encounter or is fate bringing them back together?

Now forced into each other’s lives for the entire wedding season, the unlikely pair may just figure out together how to realise both their dreams…

About The Author

My Review

Catch a Falling Star by Laura Carter is a charming and emotional second-chance romance that combines humor, heartfelt moments, and irresistible chemistry.

The story centers on Lyra Clarkson, a passionate wedding photographer who thrives on capturing others’ happiness, even though her family questions her career and she’s still searching for love herself. Her world shifts when she crosses paths with Guy Walker, a former rock star whose career has fizzled, leaving him singing at weddings to make ends meet. Their unexpected reunion leads to a spontaneous kiss, reigniting old feelings and forcing them to confront unresolved emotions from their past.

Thrown together during a bustling wedding season, Lyra and Guy’s banter, shared history, and undeniable attraction make for a rollercoaster of awkward run-ins, laugh-out-loud encounters, and tender reconnections. Beneath the lighthearted moments lies a deeper exploration of forgiveness, growth, and rediscovering what truly matters.

Laura Carter’s witty and engaging storytelling makes the romance feel authentic while weaving in themes of friendship and family. With its lively characters, musical flair, and heartwarming second-chance love, this novel is a delightful treat for romcom fans.

My Rating

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