Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- The Perfect Plan By Caitlin Weaver

She wanted to give the ultimate gift. It became the ultimate betrayal.

Fabiola has spent her life being good. The perfect daughter to her single father. A supportive wife to her entrepreneurial husband, who’s throwing everything they have at launching his start-up. A devoted mother to her three beautiful children. And a loyal best friend to Liz, who’s been by Fabiola’s side since Liz married her oldest childhood friend, Peter.

When Liz needs help starting her own family, Fabiola comes up with the perfect plan. She’s good at being pregnant, and she so badly wants to help her friend. It seems like the greatest gift one woman can give another. And Peter? For Peter – she doesn’t even have to think – she would do anything.

But then one reckless moment changes everything. Now Fabiola must decide who to protect: her best friend, the man she’s never stopped loving, or the child growing inside her. With her marriage unraveling and her teenage daughter hiding secrets of her own, she’s discovering that the hardest promises to keep are the ones we make to ourselves.

About The Author

My Review

Caitlin Weaver’s The Perfect Plan explores friendship, family, and the fallout of well-meaning decisions. Fabiola, a devoted mother, becomes a surrogate for her best friend Liz, despite her own troubled marriage and past connections with Liz’s husband, Peter.

The surrogacy unravels as emotional tensions, rebellious children, and marital issues surface, testing relationships and exposing hidden truths. Fabiola’s flawed yet relatable character anchors the story, and Weaver deftly captures the messy intricacies of motherhood, loyalty, and self-discovery.

With realistic dialogue, compelling twists, and an unexpected conclusion, this thought-provoking tale highlights the fragility of human connections and the unpredictability of life.

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Review Card & Book Review – Track Her Down By Melinda Leigh

A teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Responding to the call, Sheriff Bree Taggert realizes the crime wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. The couple was executed. The sole survivor: their traumatized teenage daughter, Claire Mason.

Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but together they uncover more questions than answers. When Claire is stalked at the park, it’s clear the killer isn’t finished—and she’s the next target.

As Bree and Matt sift through the past—suspect by suspect—a tangled web of deception emerges, and the truth becomes harder to see. Because the victims’ entire lives were a lie. And the only way to protect the vulnerable girl is to unravel her parents’ secrets.

About The Author

My Review

This is the tenth book in the Bree Taggert series, is a gripping thriller filled with suspense, compelling characters, and emotional depth.

Bree and her team in Grey’s Hollow are thrust into a double homicide investigation after a couple is found dead, with their daughter, Claire, discovering the bodies. The case grows more complex as motives like financial troubles, neighbor disputes, and potential child abduction emerge. Meanwhile, Claire struggles with the devastating loss of her parents and her sense of identity.

Bree’s personal strength and resilience shine as she balances her professional duties with reflections on her own challenging past. Her relationship with Matt offers moments of warmth and stability amidst the tension. Readers will also enjoy lighter moments with the lovable dogs, Brody, Ladybug, and Vader.

With unpredictable twists, heartfelt character development, and a story that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and a perfect introduction for thriller enthusiasts.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 2 July 2025

A Cornish Winter’s Kiss By Jo Bartlett

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…isn’t it?

Emily Anderson adores romance—both in books and in real life (though her own love life is more ‘tragic subplot’ than ‘happily-ever-after’). As an audiobook narrator, she spends her days bringing love stories to life, convinced that one day, her own perfect romance will come true.

Jude Cavendish thinks romance is a fairy tale for fools. A crime author with a serious case of writer’s block, he’s horrified when his publisher asks him to add a love story to his latest novel. He knows murders, mysteries, and mayhem—not grand gestures and stolen kisses.

Desperate for help, Jude reluctantly turns to Emily, whose sunshine personality is the complete opposite of his grumpy cynicism. She’s determined to show him that love is more than just fiction, and he’s determined to prove her wrong. But as Christmas magic sparkles over the Cornish coast, Jude starts to wonder… what if Emily’s right?

Could the festive season bring them both the plot twist they never saw coming?

Review Card & Book Review – The Reunion By Beth Reekles

A “spirited romance novel” —Foreward Reviews

Ten years after graduating, the class of 2014 are back at Tisdale Comprehensive for the reunion, packed into a school gym full of familiar faces—and plenty of new secrets.

MOST LIKELY TO END UP TOGETHER – Shaun and Steph were each other’s first love. Now, they’re settled and planning the perfect wedding— to other people. Could reconnecting spark a new romance?

MOST LIKELY TO BECOME FAMOUS – Bryony was supposed to travel the world, rule the West End, have a dazzling career as a TV actress… Now, she’s a drama teacher who’s exaggerated her whole life on Instagram, and is desperate to save face.

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED – Hayden was told he’d achieve great things, like be on the cover of TIME, win a Nobel prize… or, the accolade his daughters just awarded him: World’s Best Dad. Is it too late for him to turn things around, and more importantly, does he even want to?

MOST LIKELY TO KILL EACH OTHER – Ashleigh was an A+ student, and Ryan the star of the school rugby team. After years of putting each other down, they left school each convinced they would have the better life. Now, that old rivalry finds them drawn back together in a new, intoxicating way—one they’re both determined to hide.

With an evening of power cuts, fire alarms, sneaking off to explore classrooms in the dark, stolen kisses and heated fights—it’s like they never left at all.

About The Author

My Review

This is a fun, nostalgic romance set during a 10-year high school reunion, exploring love, growth, and second chances. Told through multiple POVs, it follows six main characters navigating secrets, regrets, and surprises in one night.
• Shaun and Steph, once dubbed “Most Likely to End Up Together,” reconnect while engaged to others, sparking doubts about their past decisions.
• Bryony, “Most Likely to Become Famous,” struggles to maintain her facade as a successful actress while hosting the reunion.
• Hayden, “Most Likely to Succeed,” faces scrutiny for choosing fatherhood over ambition and questions his life choices.
• Ashleigh and Ryan, “Most Likely to Kill Each Other,” transform their legendary rivalry into an unexpected romance.

This light, character-driven novel is perfect for fans of heartfelt, UK-set rom-coms like Sex Education. It’s an enjoyable, Netflix-worthy read about revisiting the past and reevaluating dreams.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- With This Ring By Amy Clipston

Dakota thought she had left her dreams of happily-ever-after behind, along with the pain of a broken engagement to her high school sweetheart, Hudson. Now, as the proud owner of Fairytale Bridal Shop in the picturesque town of Flowering Grove, she’s built a life and a business on helping brides find their perfect dress for their own fairytale weddings. But running a small business is not for the faint of heart, and when her ex-fiancé unexpectedly returns to town with a mission—to put a stop to his sister’s wedding—Dakota’s problems go from bad to worse.

Hudson Garrity should be living his dream. After selling his software company, he’s single, handsome, and rich, but an unexpected call from his baby sister has him flying down to his hometown, determined to protect Layla from yet another big mistake. Though he’s single-minded in his effort to derail the nuptials, he instead finds himself thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister with her plans . . . bringing him once more into contact with Dakota Jamison, the one who got away.

For Hudson, coming home means revisiting his painful childhood, repairing a strained relationship with his sister, and coming face-to-face with the woman he never stopped loving. For Dakota, it means confronting the tender memories she buried deep within her heart. As Layla’s wedding date draws close, the two reunited lovers begin to question if what went wrong between them really happened the way they remembered it at all. Will they continue believing the lies they’ve told themselves, or will they remain forever entangled in the threads of what could have been?

About The Author

My Review

This is a sweet second-chance romance set in the small town of Flowering Grove. Dakota, busy running her bridal boutique and teaching roller-skating lessons, reconnects with Hudson, her ex who broke her heart seven years ago. Both struggle with personal issues—Dakota’s stubbornness and Hudson’s unresolved grief—but they gradually find their way back to each other.

The story highlights themes of love, healing, and community, with a warm small-town backdrop. Realistic characters and heartfelt moments make this a touching and uplifting read, perfect for fans of clean, emotional romance.

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Review Card & Book Review – Midnight In Paris By Gillian Harvey

Ten years. Two people. One last visit…

Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.

They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.

Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.

Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…

About The Author

My Review

This is a deeply emotional novel that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances, set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. The story follows Sophie and Tom, a couple who return to Paris annually, with a narrative that intertwines their past and present, delving into issues such as grief, infertility, and resilience. The multi-timeline structure, shifting between their first summer many years ago, two weeks ago, and the present, adds complexity to the narrative, though some readers may find it confusing.

The novel is noted for its emotional depth, with well-developed characters that evoke strong feelings, making it a poignant read that may require tissues at hand. The story is more serious and heavy-hitting compared to the author’s usual work, addressing the frailties of relationships in a nuanced and sensitive manner. The unexpected twists and the moving direction of the story contribute to its status as a page-turner, drawing readers in from the start and taking them on an emotional rollercoaster.

Overall, “Midnight in Paris” is a compelling and heart-wrenching tale that captivates readers with its exploration of profound themes and its evocative portrayal of a couple’s journey through love and loss in the city of Paris.

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Review Card & Book Review – Widow Waive The Rules By Julia Jarman

Having supported each other through the first shaky years of widowhood, the future was starting to look brighter. But when Janet is dealt another blow, it’s all hands on deck for the firm friends.

Deciding what Janet needs is a change of scenery, Viv and Zelda book a luxury cruise on the Queen Mary 2, heading for the bright lights of New York. And once on board, the women are entranced. A floating pleasure palace, the Queen Mary is just what the doctor ordered. From tai chi to dance lessons, cocktails to crafting, there’s nothing they can’t do to while away the miles at sea.

But when they are joined at their first supper by fellow widow Primrose Carmichael, the holiday takes an unexpected turn. Because not only does Primrose share Janet’s surname, but their late husbands were both called Mal… As the similarities between the two women stack up, so do Viv and Zelda’s suspicions. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before they’re in sight of the Statue of Liberty, the friends are ready to waive a few rules…

About The Author

My Review

Widows Waive the Rules by Julia Jarman is a charming novel that follows Janet, grieving her second husband’s loss. Friends Zelda and Viv take her on a Queen Mary II cruise to New York, but unexpected drama arises when fellow widow Primrose reveals striking links between her late husband and Janet’s first husband. As secrets unravel, the widows work together to solve the mystery and restore Janet’s happiness.

The book masterfully blends humor, mystery, and heartfelt friendship, with vivid descriptions of cruise ship elegance and engaging characters. It’s a celebration of resilience, love, and living life to the fullest.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 30 June 2025

Kilts And Kisses At Highland Hall By Hannah Lynn

Numbers don’t lie, and neither does the heart…

When straight-laced London accountant Rebecca Barker arrives at neglected Highland Hall armed with spreadsheets, strategies, and a surefire plan, she has absolutely no intention of mixing business with pleasure. But the estate’s brooding groundskeeper, Duncan MacDuffrey, is a variable she hadn’t accounted for.

Heartbroken, Duncan focuses on managing the rambling estate while keeping his heart firmly locked away. But something about this career-focused city girl, with her perfectly pressed suits and hidden wit, makes him want to risk it all again—even as the entire village tries to keep them apart.

Between professional boundaries and a fiercely protective Highland community, a romance should be the last thing on either of their minds. Yet as mists roll in from the Loch and across the estate, even the most careful calculations can add up to love.

Review Card & Book Review- Crossing The Line By Kelly Jamieson

Rule #1 Do not cross the line with best friend’s sister
Ben
On the ice I’m formidable, relentless and I lead by example. Now my coach wants me to step up as Captain – and lead the team off the ice too. But this is my worst nightmare; I’d rather play hockey naked than do any kind of public speaking! To make matters worse, my best friend’s sister has shown up out of the blue to live with us temporarily. We have a history… it’s awkward, she’s starting to invade my fantasies and I can’t seem to escape her. But maybe she could be the answer to my problems…
Mabel
Moving in with my brother was not part of my life plan, but I have no choice at the moment. I need to get away and start my life over. I just wish I didn’t have to share the condo with Ben. I thought I’d buried my teenage crush, but seeing him all the time has me fascinated with him all over again! But now he’s asking for my help to be more outgoing and confident, and basically fake it until he makes it. Sure I can help, but that would mean a lot of time alone. I need to stay strong and resist the obvious temptation…

About The Author

My Review

Crossing the Line by Kelly Jamieson kicks off a new hockey romance series with the story of Mabel Smits and Ben Antonov. Mabel, a free-spirited librarian, has just left an abusive relationship and moves in temporarily with her hockey-playing brother, seeking stability. To her surprise, her former crush, Ben, also shares the space. Ben, a reserved and dedicated hockey player, is striving to improve his public image to qualify for team captain—a challenge that pushes him far outside his comfort zone.

As Mabel helps coach Ben in social confidence, they form a genuine connection. Ben values Mabel for who she truly is, in contrast to her controlling ex. Their relationship is heartwarming, built on mutual respect and personal growth. The story balances Mabel’s journey of reclaiming her independence with Ben’s determination to lead without compromising his quiet nature.

This is a charming and satisfying romance with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a touch of sports drama. Fans will enjoy the chemistry between Mabel and Ben and look forward to revisiting the hockey world through future stories in the series.

My Rating

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