Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Keeping The Score By Kelly Jamieson

An unexpected game changer…

Ford

My brain is hard-wired to hockey. To train hard, to win, to be the best. I don’t date, I basically live and breathe hockey and I plan everything. Until I find a newborn baby outside my apartment. It’s like something out of a movie, except she’s mine and this is my life. I panic, the only person I know who can help is my neighbor Andi. But in doing so, I risk inviting her into my life. So far she’s just been a friend, but I’m out of my depth and losing control. Now with each late night together, we feel like a family and I can see the lines blurring.

Andi

I have no idea how to look after a baby. But Ford has always come through for me. So now it’s my turn to help. It’s only temporary. I know Ford is a pin-up, but I’ve never been attracted to him…until now. Seeing him holding his tiny daughter is melting my heart. I thought I had no interest in love and settling down, but I’m catching feelings. I just know this set-up won’t last forever, but I’m scared of what will happen when things go back to normal…

About The Author

My Review

This book is a tender, emotionally grounded romcom that blends heartfelt moments with humor, romance, and a meaningful look at life’s curveballs. Ford, a focused and disciplined hockey player, has always prioritized his career—often at the expense of personal relationships. Andi, his kind and recently divorced neighbor, shares a warm and supportive friendship with him. But when Ford is thrown off course by an unexpected life event, it’s Andi who becomes his anchor. As the two navigate this new reality together, their bond strengthens and slowly evolves into something deeper and more passionate.The chemistry between Ford and Andi is both believable and slow-burning in the most satisfying way. Their journey—from supportive friendship to something more—is rich with vulnerability, trust, and the realization that life’s detours often lead to the best destinations.What makes this book stand out is how thoughtfully it tackles the idea of letting go—of rigid plans, control, and fear—in favor of embracing the unpredictable. It’s a story that nudges readers to reflect on their own priorities and the kind of love that can grow when we least expect it.

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Review Card & Book Review – Love, Accidentally By Phoebe MacLeod

Sometimes, what happens on the nightshift, should stay on the nightshift…

As an accident and emergency room nurse, there’s not much that can catch Tilly off guard (not even those kinds of accidents). But when her bachelor flatmate gets a girlfriend and her sister announces she wants another baby, Tilly is surprised to find herself questioning her happily single existence.

Thankfully, the arrival of a new face on the ward offers a welcome distraction. With his lustrous hair, and charming personality, Dr Luke sets hearts racing all across the hospital. But as Tilly and Luke get to know each other better, she starts to wonder if he’s really her McDreamy after all…

Is Tilly being blinded by her determination to find someone? And while she’s looking in Luke’s direction, will Tilly miss what’s right in front of her?

About The Author

My Review

Set against the lively backdrop of an A&E department, this book offers a breezy romance with shades of a medical drama. Tilly, an emergency nurse, quickly finds herself entangled with a new doctor—but not everything is as it seems. The twist, while a bit predictable, adds a touch of drama to an otherwise light, fast-paced read.

MacLeod’s writing style is smooth and engaging, making the novel easy to digest. However, character development feels uneven. Tilly can be frustrating—she swings from heartbroken and emotionally needy to impatient and demanding with startling speed, especially when her romantic interest doesn’t match her pace. The relationship lacks the chemistry and slow-burn tension that typically makes a romance spark. Instead, it moves from awkward to official with little buildup, making the love story feel a bit unearned.

While it may not be a standout for die-hard romance fans, it holds appeal for readers looking for something quick, contemporary, and set in a familiar, fast-paced environment.

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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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