Book Review – Page 47

Review Card & Book Review- Someone Like You By Sandy Barker

What do you do when you realise you’ve fallen for your best friend, but he sees you as the sister he never had? And to make things worse, you’re stuck in the middle of a matchmaking scheme to find him someone else!

Best friends Gaby and Raff are inseparable and know each other inside out. But with Raff’s string of disastrous relationships and his newfound fame as Britain’s Best Baker, it’s time to enlist the Ever After Agency to help him find true love.

At first, Gaby is all in – Raff is a catch, after all. But as she secretly helps to find his perfect match, she’s hit with unexpected pangs of jealousy. And before she can act on her feelings, Raff falls for one of his dates.

Can Gaby keep her emotions in check, or will she risk ruining their friendship to find out if Raff feels the same way?

About The Author

My Review

I picked up this book because the premise intrigued me, and midway through, I realized the characters felt familiar—I had read the first book in the series, Match Me If You Can! I didn’t realize it was part of the Ever After series since it wasn’t labeled as such. That said, it works well as a standalone, but it’s also fun to recognize characters from earlier books.

The story centers on Raff, who wins Britain’s top baking competition only to be dumped the same day he planned to propose. Known for diving headfirst into love, he finds himself lost, and his best friends, Gaby and Freya, decide to help by setting him up. But Gaby soon realizes that maybe she is the right one for Raff. This friends-to-lovers romance is filled with themes of found family, self-discovery, and love.

The book made me laugh out loud several times, and the bond between Raff, Gaby, and Freya felt so genuine. I loved how it explored different kinds of love, from romantic to familial, as well as the fears and insecurities that come with pursuing new dreams and seeking acceptance. Ultimately, it’s a heartfelt story about finding love and acceptance from those who see us as we truly are—a journey that feels both relatable and inspiring.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Forgotten One By Catherine Bybee

Sarah McNeilly is a rare find in the tabloid industry. She won’t ignite gossip. She finds the truth. And for once, that’s what her boss wants. With her job on the line, Sarah’s latest assignment is to identify the elusive “Maximillian Smith,” unearth his connection to the billionaire Stone family, and dig up some dirt.

Yesterday Max was an ordinary workingman, concerned with little more than the price of gas. Now he suddenly has a family, jaw-dropping wealth, and an avid (if clumsy) reporter on his trail. With the press threatening to destroy his new life, he needs to release his real story strategically, and Sarah is the key—not to mention an adorable yet invaluable resource for finding his mother.

As Max and Sarah team up to peel back the ugly layers of Max’s past, they stumble heart-first into their fiery attraction. But when their research threatens their newly built trust, it’s their future that is on the line.

About The Author

My Review

The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee is an emotional romance centered on Maximilian “Max” Smith, a rugged, self-made man from a foster background who discovers he’s the heir to a billionaire business empire. Max’s strong, alpha personality and rough edges make him a memorable and complex character, while his protective and occasionally vulnerable sides add depth to his appeal. Sarah, a journalist with a warm, sassy personality, enters his life by chance and quickly becomes his steady support amid media chaos and corporate intrigue.

When Max’s half-siblings reveal his true parentage, he struggles to reconcile his past as a foster child with his newfound identity as a wealthy heir. Though initially skeptical, Max leans on Sarah, who is both his confidante and emotional anchor as he navigates the pressures of wealth and family. Their chemistry is electric, and Sarah’s kindness and moral integrity balance Max’s intense nature, creating a touching connection. Through love, trust, and resilience, Max and his new family find healing together in this heartfelt and beautifully written romance.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Rolling Toward Clear Skies By Catherine Ryan Hyde

Maggie Blount, divorced mother of two and California physician, puts her private practice on hold when disaster strikes. Doctors on Wheels takes her and Alex—Maggie’s professional and romantic partner—wherever they’re needed. After rolling into rural Louisiana in the wake of a category five hurricane, Maggie immediately bonds with two sisters and their puppy, all orphaned by the storm. It’s enough to break Maggie’s heart, and she’s not leaving them behind.

Feeling blessed and looking forward to their new foster home in affluent Vista del Mar—a world apart from the one they’ve known—Jean and Rose are polite, appreciative, and humble. Frankly, they’re the polar opposite of Maggie’s own self-involved teenage daughters, Willa and Gemma, who resist this intrusion by strangers into their privileged lives. Soon enough, Maggie’s new blended family is in chaos.

Teaching Willa and Gemma about gratitude and empathy will be hard enough. Maggie must also admit her own role in their entitled upbringing, undo the damage, and anticipate the needs of all four girls and a puppy, all amid faraway natural disasters and those closer to home.

About The Author

My Review

Rolling Toward Clear Skies by Catherine Ryan Hyde follows the story of two pairs of teenage girls from starkly different backgrounds who become part of the same family. Maggie and Alex, who run a mobile medical service called Doctors on Wheels, discover two neglected teenage girls and a puppy while providing aid after a hurricane in Louisiana. Maggie decides to foster and eventually adopt them, despite knowing that her two daughters from a previous marriage may not be welcoming. Maggie hopes this challenging situation will help all four girls grow, learn from each other, and become better people.

This novel is a story of resilience, compassion, and family, with Hyde’s signature approach of finding the best in people and inspiring hope, even if the journey isn’t perfectly smooth.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- I Do With You By Lauren Landish

Hope Barlowe is a vow away from a lakeside wedding to her high school sweetheart. Next, check off her follow-up dreams: two kids, a dog, a home, and a happy ever after. But suddenly, ever after seems like a very long time. Instead of saying I do, Hope thinks I can’t and bolts for the woods—right into the unpredictable life of a handsome tattooed hiker.

Days into a three-week getaway, struggling musician Ben Taylor is in search of inspiration. He never thought he’d find a bride stumbling through the bramble. Right away her sweet baby blues, confounding dilemma, and spirited independence strike a chord. Ben has found his muse, and he’s falling fast. Hope is finding something just as important—herself.

Soon enough Hope and Ben have all of Maple Creek talking—and divided. Where do they go from here? If Hope has learned anything, it’s that happiness is more than a checklist, and dreams can change in a heartbeat.

About The Author

My Review

After bolting from her wedding mid-vow, Hope finds herself swept away by a stranger named Ben. What begins as an impulsive escape becomes a journey of self-discovery, and along the way, Hope not only unearths a fresh sense of identity but also discovers the potential for an unexpected love. Ben is a supportive and understanding presence, offering her both a new perspective and the space to question a life she had always assumed was set in stone. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the humorous exchanges add a charming lightness to the initial chapters. Their budding relationship is compelling, with alternating POVs giving insight into both Hope’s internal struggle to find herself and Ben’s unwavering support as she embarks on this uncertain path.

However, despite the promising start, the story lost some of its appeal for me as it went on. While the meet-cute and emotional connection between Hope and Ben were engaging at first, the narrative began to feel repetitive around the midpoint. Hope’s character became frustratingly self-centered, as her search for clarity seemed to spiral into needless drama. The third-act breakup, in particular, felt formulaic, involving an overused trope where a misunderstanding leads Hope to shut down any chance of communication. This lack of maturity in handling conflict dampened my investment in her journey by the end.

Despite these issues, I’m still curious about where the series will go, especially since Hope’s sister, Joy, showed promise as an interesting character. Her presence hints at a storyline with a different energy, and I’ll be interested to see how her story unfolds in the next book.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – Grumpy Billionaire Bossholes By Leslie North

Against all odds—and their better judgement—six women can’t help falling in love with six of the most infuriating, gorgeous, and sinfully rich billionaires on the planet. Bestselling author Leslie North delivers page after page of romance gold in this must-read boxset!

Mr. Grump

Nanny Kaitlyn hates her boss. He’s grumpy, gruff, and rude. Too bad he also happens to be smoking hot—and a caring dad to his adorable daughter. No way she’ll ever admit she’s attracted to him. Or will she…

Mr. Jerk

Maddy isn’t exactly thrilled when billionaire sports agent, Noah Parker, mistakes her for an escort. Noah may be volcano-level hot, but Maddy’s only interested in doing her job as his new assistant. People say Noah always gets what he wants, but Maddy is sure he’s not getting her.

Mr. Cocky

Photographer Maxine isn’t quite sure how she ended up as billionaire Theo Barnes’ pretend girlfriend, but it’s by far the toughest assignment she’s ever had. Theo may be the sexiest man she’s ever seen, but he’s way too cocky for her tastes. Cocky enough to break their no PDA rule. Cocky enough to think amazing sex has no consequences…

The Bossy One

Olivia St. James’ new boss, Irish billionaire Declan Byrne, is a total grouch. He clearly doesn’t like her. The feeling is mutual. That is, until Olivia sees a different side of Declan—a softer, sexier side. Olivia has always stuck to the cardinal rule for nannies: Do not get involved with the family. But come on, aren’t rules made to be broken?

The Grumpy One

Cleaning floors at Branson Couture wasn’t part of Natalie Greenwood’s career plan. Neither was almost decapitating the CEO with a mop. Snarlmaster General James Branson is insanely rich, annoyingly charming and, as it turns out, her new boss. After finding her design sketchbook, James offers Natalie the job of her dreams. All she has to do is show up, work hard, and try not to think about her boss naked. Easy, right?

The Grouchy One

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But the guy selling them, sexy billionaire Cameron O’Connor, is Felicity’s worst enemy. First, he steals her cab on the way to a job interview. Then, he has the audacity to offer her said job for a ridiculous amount of money. If only rumors hadn’t spread that they’re a couple. Now, they have to fake a romance for PR. But she can’t possibly fall for her bosshole…can she?

About The Author

My Review

This is a steamy, entertaining romance collection that centers around tough, brooding billionaires with plenty of attitude. Each book in the series introduces a different “grumpy” billionaire boss whose rough exterior is softened by the right woman, leading to romances that are as fiery as they are heartfelt. Leslie North’s skillful storytelling balances the drama of high-stakes corporate worlds with the emotional journeys of her characters, offering a mix of passion, humor, and romance.

The series is filled with compelling opposites-attract dynamics, where each female lead challenges her billionaire boss in unexpected ways. The chemistry is electric, and the tension keeps readers engaged as each character learns to confront their vulnerabilities and trust in love. North does a great job developing relatable female leads who are independent, witty, and unwilling to back down, making for some fun, sharp-witted banter and memorable moments.

Perfect for fans of workplace romances with a strong dose of billionaire allure, Grumpy Billionaire Bossholes delivers exactly what its name promises—grumpy bosses, strong heroines, and steamy love stories that pack a punch.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Tempted By The Outback Vet By Becky Wicks

RESISTING…THE IRRESISTIBLE!

Haunted by the loss of her family and beloved dog, Dr. Sage devotes herself to saving animals in her remote clinic. She has no time for distractions! Particularly not a charismatic, arrogant TV horse whisperer from the outback. Hired by an owner to help treat a troubled animal in her care, they disagree on sight. Yet even when forced to admit that Dr. Ethan is an excellent vet, Sage is determined to resist developing feelings for a man who’s clearly afraid of loving again. He’ll only break her heart when he leaves, but taking the risk is oh-so-tempting…

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt romance set against the rugged beauty of the Australian outback. The story follows Aria and her encounter with rugged vet Daniel, who’s dedicated to his work and the local animals. Both characters are dealing with emotional baggage from their pasts, which leads them to guard their hearts and approach love with caution.

Aria, a city vet temporarily stationed in the outback, initially struggles with the demands of her new setting. Her determination to adapt and prove herself makes her relatable, and her compassion shines as she bonds with the community and its animals. Daniel, who’s deeply rooted in the outback, is a bit of a loner, holding onto painful memories that make him wary of romance. But as he and Aria work together, their chemistry becomes undeniable, and they find themselves tempted by the idea of a future together.

Wicks does a great job portraying the challenges and rewards of life in the Australian wilderness, blending vivid descriptions of the landscape with scenes of veterinary work that add depth to the story. The romance develops slowly, with a warmth that feels genuine. Their emotional journey is as much about healing as it is about love, and Wicks captures this beautifully, creating a story that’s equal parts sweet, poignant, and satisfying.

Tempted by the Outback Vet is a lovely read for anyone who enjoys romances with a strong sense of place, endearing characters, and a gentle exploration of second chances.

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Review Card & Book Review- Festive Fling With The Surgeon By Karin Baine

WRAPPED UP…IN EACH OTHER!

Transplant surgeon Tamsin is determined nobody will suffer the post-op complications her sister faced. She certainly doesn’t have capacity for romance. So, succumbing to passion on a visit to Edinburgh with handsome pediatrician Max is a one-night indulgence… Max has his own reasons for being anticommitment, but when he and Tamsin are thrown back together again temporarily, their snow-melting attraction leads to a whirlwind fling. Only, their feelings are deepening along with their desire. This festive season, will they be brave and embrace the gift in front of them?

About The Author

My Review

This heartfelt story follows Tamsin, a transplant surgeon haunted by a painful family past, and Max, a pediatric surgeon with commitment issues. Both convinced love isn’t in their future, they reluctantly enter a fling that soon stirs unexpected feelings. Their deepening connection, fostered by shared time and ordinary moments, leaves Tamsin wary as she struggles with guilt over her sister’s fate.

Max, however, begins to reconsider his stance on commitment. Their emotional journey hits a rocky point when his desire for more conflicts with Tamsin’s insecurities. A compelling subplot around Tamsin’s transplant patient not only drives her passion for her work but adds depth to the story. Their story culminates in a powerful resolution, with Max and Tamsin finding love despite their fears and pasts.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Retreat To The Lakeside Cottage By Erin Green

Welcome to the Lakeside Cottage . . . A place to write, where inspiration awaits . . .

Five authors have gathered at the idyllic Lakeside Cottage for a retreat, with the promise of peace and dedicated writing time. At least, that’s the idea . . .

Retreat organiser Rula is there to edit, surrounded by like-minded souls. An interloper, especially one with whom she has a past, was certainly not part of her plan.

Eve has a bad case of writer’s block, despite numerous bestsellers under her belt. Can she find new inspiration? Or will she get drawn into the dramas that unfold around her?

Alice has a deadline looming but is seemingly more interested in anything but writing. And where does she keep disappearing to?

Daphne is an experienced self-published author, but might she be more unconventional in other ways too?

And then there’s Brontë, the complete novice. She’s a mere scribbler, not a ‘proper writer’ like these other women, and she feels totally out of her depth.

As the collective word count grows, and their personal stories interweave, each woman finds herself drawn in unexpected and life-changing directions.

About The Author

My Review

Bronte, Daphne, Rula, Eve, and Alice are all writers who come together at a lakeside writing retreat. Set in a beautiful and peaceful location, the story offers a refreshing change by focusing on a group rather than just one main character. It’s lovely to see how each woman brings her own dreams, struggles, and personality to the retreat, and how their friendships slowly build over time.

The setting is described so well that you can easily picture the calm water and cozy cottages, making it a very comforting read. It was interesting to follow all five women’s journeys, seeing how writing brought them together but life took them in different directions too. Their experiences highlight not just creativity but also personal growth, new beginnings, and the courage to follow your heart.

Overall, Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage is an engaging and heartwarming story. It’s perfect if you enjoy stories about friendship, second chances, and pursuing your passions in a beautiful setting.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 17 May 2025

Dancing Under The Moon By Celia Anderson

Forty-something Molly is starting to realise – with growing horror – that life isn’t just passing her by, it has completely gone without her. Her husband, four children and large collection of animals are chaotic and demanding, and her job as a playgroup assistant has lost its power to inspire her.

When temptation strikes and Molly is desperately attracted to the charismatic village headmaster, she is outraged to discover that her husband Jake has beaten her to a fling, and even worse, has done this with one of Molly’s closest friends!

With the whole family plunged into turmoil for a variety of reasons, Molly is forced out of her comfort zone to make decisions that will affect her marriage, her children, her parents and her friends. Can she reclaim her life, and learn to love it again as she does so?

This warm, wise and thought-provoking novel is perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Judy Leigh.

Review Card & Book Review – Breaking The Ice By Amy Andrews

A bookshop face-off!

NHL hot shot, Nick Hawkeye Hawke has 4 months to recuperate from a potentially career-ending injury. All he has to do is take it easy and keep things low-key. So, looking after his grandmother’s beloved second-hand romance bookshop and working very closely with the ruthlessly efficient Samantha Evans is just what he needs right? Wrong!

Career-driven Sam has impulsively decided to swap her highly stressful corporate job for a slower pace in her favourite bookshop at the exact time her biological clock has started to tick. And she wants absolutely none of that. But when your boss is a hot hockey superstar and you can’t stop daydreaming of him being your baby daddy, forced proximity takes on a whole new meaning.

With temptation around every bookshelf, Nick and Sam find themselves skating on thin ice until they put themselves firmly in the friend zone. But the more they try to resist their slow burn, the more they want each other. How long can they stay in the zone until one of them breaks the ice?

About The Author

My Review

This story centers on Nick, an NHL player nearing retirement, and Samantha (Sam), a career-driven woman with a history of unsuccessful relationships. They reconnect at Nick’s grandmother’s funeral, sparking old feelings Sam has kept hidden due to Nick’s fame and romantic past. Now, after turning 30 and contemplating her future, Sam finds herself open to love in ways she hadn’t expected.

As Nick recovers from an injury and inherits his grandmother’s bookstore, he’s forced to re-evaluate his path. When Sam steps in to help with the shop, their friendship grows, evolving naturally into something deeper. Both characters are relatable and layered, with strengths and flaws that make their journey engaging.

An underlying message resonates throughout: success and wealth don’t guarantee happiness, and life’s unexpected twists can lead to surprising joys if you’re open to them.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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