Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Protector In Disguise By Veronica Forand

They’ll have to forgive the past

To save their son in the present.

Fiona Stirling’s latest romantic thriller ends on a happy note when the heroine’s husband comes home after a dangerous mission. Fiona herself wasn’t so lucky. Her husband, Jason, died in Colombia, hunting a drug lord. Or so she thought…until Jason returns five years later. Knowing that Jason went into hiding to protect his family does nothing to dispel her sense of betrayal. But Fiona has secrets, too, and she and Jason are going to have to learn to trust each other again if they want to save their son. 

About The Author

My Review

Five years ago, romance suspense author Fiona Stirling lost her husband, Jason, who was declared killed in action during a mission. Now a single mother to her 13-year-old son Matt, Fiona’s world is turned upside down when an intruder breaks into her home, and her son is nearly abducted at a book signing. She soon learns that Jason is actually alive. His death was staged by the government to protect their family after a cartel leader’s son was killed during the mission. Jason has been living under a new identity, building a business, while keeping his past hidden. As danger returns and Jason reveals himself, the story intensifies with nonstop action, emotional turmoil, and lingering secrets. The plot is captivating with well-developed, imperfect characters. It’s a promising start to a new series.

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Review Card & Book Review- Under Lock And Key By K.D. Richards

The man who broke her heart…

Must now be her protector.

Maggie Scott has worked hard to become an assistant curator at the Larimer Museum. But following the theft of a rare, priceless jewel and the murder of her fellow employee and friend, Maggie is suspected of complicity. Only investigator Kevin Lombard believes in her innocence. But thanks to their shared history, he’s hardly objective. In fact, this may be the second chance he never thought possible. First, though, he must prove Maggie’s innocence…and protect the woman he never forgot from whoever is out to get her.

About The Author

My Review

In this exciting installment of the West Investigations series, Kevin Lombard, a new hire at the LA office, is eager to prove himself but is unexpectedly reunited with Maggie Scott, the woman he once loved and left behind. Maggie, a curator at the Larimer Museum, faces a crisis when her career-defining Vampire Ruby exhibit goes wrong, forcing her to seek Kevin’s help to clear her name and save her life. The story explores themes of second chances, deception, and family ties, with an unpredictable plot twist. While part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.

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Review Card & Book Review- Ultimate Justice By Tee O’Fallon

While tracking down an escaped felon, FBI Special Agent Evan McGarry and his K-9, Blue, uncover a smoking hot lead on the location of dozens of missing children—including Evan’s own sister. The shocking discovery reopens cold cases throughout Colorado, along with painful wounds and the heartbreaking guilt Evan’s kept buried for decades.

Three years ago, hospital custodian Marlie Foxe’s world imploded, causing her to cut herself off from the world. But when one of the missing boys turns up at her hospital, he only allows Marlie to get close. Now, Evan needs her help with the boy—and he won’t take no for an answer. When she finally agrees to work with him, Evan suspects there’s more to the woman than she’s letting on. She’s hiding something. The question is what.

As Evan and Marlie unearth a cult targeting runaways, they’re forced to confront not only dangerous criminals but the truths they’ve both been avoiding—including the blistering passion they can no longer deny. But when more children disappear, they’ll have to risk more than just their hearts.

About The Author

My Review

Ultimate Justice, the third book in the K9 Special Ops series, follows FBI Agent Evan as he tackles a case that hits close to home. Years after the disappearance of his sister, Evan is still haunted by her loss. When his team rescues Noah, an 11-year-old boy, from captivity, Evan sees a potential lead to his sister’s case.

Marlie, a quiet hospital custodian, forms a special bond with Noah when he’s brought in for care. She’s used to keeping to herself, but something about the boy draws her in. This connection catches Evan’s attention, and despite their differences, Evan and Marlie begin to develop feelings for each other.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that finding out who held Noah captive could also help Evan uncover the truth about his sister. Alongside his loyal K-9 partner Blue, who brings moments of levity and warmth to the story, Evan navigates the emotional and professional challenges of the case.

The fast-paced plot takes unexpected turns, leading to a twist near the end that surprises both Evan and the reader. Despite the suspense, the book also focuses on the growing romance between Evan and Marlie, their shared emotional journeys, and their connection to Noah. The story ends on a satisfying note with a surprise resolution and a well-earned happily ever after.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Guardian Till Christmas By Danielle Thorne

She’s always in charge…

Until two little hearts take over this holiday season…

After the loss of her sister, Kylee Spokes plans to take custody of her orphaned niece and nephew and return to the big city by Christmas. Except corralling four-year-old twins is much harder than the businesswoman expects. And small-town paramedic Evan Hollister refuses to abandon his godchildren to someone who has no experience with kids—and can’t even boil water! Now these opposites must find a way to temporarily co-parent together. As grudging respect turns into something more, can they find a permanent solution…that lasts past the holidays?

About The Author

My Review

Kylee returns to her hometown after her sister Mia and her husband die in an accident, leaving her as the guardian of their twins. Though she only plans to stay through Christmas, she meets Evan, the twins’ godfather, who feels guilty for not being able to save Mia and her husband. As Kylee and Evan care for the children, romantic feelings develop, but Kylee plans to return to New York while Evan wants to stay in their small town.

The story is a heartwarming Christmas romance, focusing on family, healing, and the bond between Kylee, Evan, and the children.

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Review Card & Book Review – In Italy For Love By Leonie Mack

Julia Volpe’s Italian dream has turned into a nightmare.

Still living with her ex, Luca, a year after they’ve broken up, desperate to sell the dilapidated B&B that was meant to be their future, Jules knows she needs to leave. There are just two problems. Her passport has expired and she’s broke.

Not quite ready to ask her parents for help – at the ripe old age of twenty-seven – Jules decides to head as far away from Luca as she can to work on an olive farm until she has enough money to pay for her passport and a ticket back home.

Jules has sworn off love, but she hadn’t bargained on the beauty of Cividale del Friuli, the ancient Italian town on the banks of the gloriously blue Natisone river. As the community of farmers, neighbours and locals generously welcome her into their lives, Jules can feel her defences crumbling. But it’s when she meets Alex, broodingly handsome yet charmingly gallant, that Jules truly knows she’s in trouble. Because Alex has sworn off love too, and his reasons run deep enough for him to keep his word just as Jules is starting to reconsider her resistance to romance.

About The Author

My Review

This heartwarming story follows Julia, an Australian who moved to Italy for love, only to find herself abandoned, homeless, and struggling to figure out her next steps. Her only constant companion is her dog, Arco. While waiting for her passport in the small Italian village of Cividale del Friuli, Julia unexpectedly meets Alex, a busker with his cat Attila. Their chance dinner leads to a series of events that neither anticipated, intertwining their lives temporarily.

Both characters are grappling with recent personal struggles, not intending to fall in love, especially given their diverging futures. Julia is portrayed as the stronger, more complex character, while Alex offers a lighter contrast. The story explores the challenges they face while also bringing humor and emotion to the forefront, especially through the vivid depictions of Italian rural life and the farm work Julia takes on.

While the novel delivers charming autumnal scenes and moments of giggles, it lags slightly in the middle but remains an overall enjoyable and detailed read about self-discovery and unexpected connections.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Island Girls By Rachel Sweasey

1941: For the townspeople of Poole on the Dorset coast, the war feels like it’s right on their doorstep. And with more and more men leaving to fight, one fisherman’s daughter is determined to do whatever she can to help. Peggy volunteers to use her skills on the water to work with the flying boats alongside the RAF based in the harbour. But when she is asked to undertake a special mission, she will have to make a terrible choice – between her duty to her country and her only chance of happiness.

1998: Rebekah has travelled halfway around the world to take up a role on Brownsea Island. This tiny island off the coast of England is a treasure trove of natural wonder, but it still carries the scars of fighting. And when Rebekah discovers a lost letter from the war, hidden all this time, she becomes determined to deliver it, fifty years later.

But the idyllic Dorset harbour hides many more secrets, and Rebekah’s search for the truth will change her life in ways she never imagined possible…

About The Author

My Review

The Island Girls by Rachel Sweasey is a dual-timeline novel set in 1941 and 1998. It follows Peggy Symonds during WWII, who works in Poole, England, assisting with wartime efforts while being asked to uncover a German spy, putting her love and loyalty to the test.

In 1998, Rebekah Martins, a wildlife ranger on Brownsea Island, teams up with historian Paul to investigate a lost letter from WWII, hoping to uncover its mystery.

The story combines love, sacrifice, history, and mystery, with vivid settings and well-developed characters, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction.

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Review Card & Book Review – Nightcaps At The Beach House Hotel By Judith Keim

Another favor can mean another problem for Ann and Rhonda …

When Ann and Rhonda receive a request from the vice-president to provide a private space at the hotel for a nighttime talk show host having difficulties, they’re worried. Trouble always happens when they do something for her. Sipping nightcaps, they watch Darryl Douglas’ show and decide to allow him to rent one of the guesthouses at the same time their beloved daughter-of -heart, Tina Marks, is renting the house next door along with her personal trainer, Abbie Hathaway. When Darryl’s ex-wife appears at the hotel a lot more than the usual problems appear, leaving Ann and Rhonda to fight for the hotel’s reputation.

A light “beach read” with humor sprinkled in for readers’ enjoyment featuring two women, Ann and Rhonda, whom readers adore. Be sure to read all the books so far in the series – Breakfast at The Beach House Hotel, Lunch at The Beach House Hotel, Dinner at The Beach House Hotel, Christmas at The Beach House Hotel, Margaritas at The Beach House Hotel, Dessert at The Beach House Hotel. Coffee at The Beach House Hotel, High Tea at The Beach House Hotel, Nightcaps at the Beach House Hotel, and Bubbles at the Beach Hotel coming soon. Two more books, Canapes at the Beach House Hotel and Sea Breezes at the Beach House, follow.

About The Author

My Review

Nightcaps at the Beach House is part of a series about two women, Ann and Rhonda, who own and manage the successful Beach House Hotel. The hotel has earned its reputation for offering celebrities, politicians, and other high-profile guests a safe haven from the public eye and the media. The story focuses on their latest challenge when the Vice-President asks them to rent a property to Darryl Douglas, a popular nighttime talk show host. Despite some hesitation, they agree, only to be faced with complications when Darryl’s ex-wife, a notorious publicity seeker, unknowingly checks in and begins attracting unwanted attention.

In addition to keeping the ex-wife away from Darryl, Ann and Rhonda must also deal with another unruly guest and the pressure of managing their usual hotel responsibilities, including hosting weddings. On top of all this, they are juggling their personal lives, striving to maintain a balance between their work and spending time with their families. The novel showcases the strength, resilience, and warmth of these two older women as they navigate both the business and personal challenges they face. Fans of the series appreciate how the author highlights the importance of family and friendship throughout the story.

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Review Card & Book Review – Anyone But The Superstar By Sara L.Hudson

What happens when a moviestar and an heiress, both traveling incognito, have a one-night stand?

Johnny, aka Felix Jones, is Hollywood’s go-to action star. About to film his first romantic comedy, he’s looking to change his image and show he’s more than just a six pack with pithy one-liners. But off screen, he’s got a reputation for other things too, and not all of them are good.

Anne, aka Elizabeth Moore was, until a year ago, heiress to one of New York’s biggest business dynasties. Blindsided at the discovery that she is not, in fact, the daughter of the man who raised her, Liz has spent the past year on a journey of self-discovery. Her most recent discovery? Southern Texas is hot. The weather, the food and the men.

And temperatures do nothing but rise when ‘Anne’ sits next to ‘Johnny’ at the bar. Add in a trip to the ER, a hairless cat, and a NASA movie set, and things get even spicier.

Never mind that Felix has plenty of complications in his life, and the last thing Liz needs is more drama. In fact, when it comes to one-night stands, anyone but the superstar would be better…

About The Author

My Review

Johnny, a Hollywood action star, and Anne, an heiress with a new identity, meet while incognito in Texas and have a chaotic one-night stand. Afterward, Anne discovers Johnny’s fame, and they end up working together on a movie set, becoming roommates along the way. Their chemistry is strong, with lots of humorous banter, though the humor, especially around Anne’s hairless cat, might not appeal to everyone. There’s some drama tied to Johnny’s past, but no romantic competition. Despite being part of a series, the book works as a standalone, though references to earlier characters can be confusing.

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Review Card & Book Review- All I Want For Christmas By Karen Swan

Can she find love this Christmas?

When Darcy Cotterell discovers her boyfriend is cheating, she falls out of love with love. With Christmas coming she’s also too busy pursuing her PhD studies in Copenhagen to be distracted by a broken heart, despite her friends’ efforts to set her up with the ‘perfect’ blind date in the city.

Then an unknown portrait by Denmark’s greatest painter is discovered beneath another masterpiece and Darcy is charged with discovering the identity of the woman in the painting. With no name or any supporting evidence to work with, she must utilise all her research skills to find a ghost. Working closely with the most powerful figures in the art scene, she encounters Max Lorensen – her blind date! The attraction is instant but knowing they must work together, they agree to keep things between them professional. But the chemistry between them is hard to ignore until one of Darcy’s discoveries threatens to set her and Max on opposite sides for ever . . .

About The Author

My Review

In Karen Swan’s novel, Darcy, an art history PhD student in Copenhagen, is recovering from a breakup when she meets Max, a lawyer, through a dating app. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their professional lives collide when Darcy is hired to investigate a newly discovered painting tied to a famous masterpiece, and Max’s firm holds the key archives.

They agree not to date, but emotions grow complicated as Darcy uncovers more about the painting—and about Max. The story blends an art-based mystery with a passionate romance, filled with twists and deep emotional layers.

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Review Card & Book Review – Heartbreak Hill By Heidi McLaughlin

Grayson Caballero sees the glass half-empty. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, he’s been living on borrowed time. The uncertainty of tomorrow makes him push people away, helping Grayson to avoid any real commitment.

Then he meets Reid Sullivan and falls madly in love. The two work together at the Wold Collective, Grayson as a project manager and Reid in HR. They even live in the same apartment complex. But Grayson continues to keep his distance, despite their obvious attraction. And Reid’s not interested in waiting around.

When Grayson collapses at a basketball game, Reid learns he’s been keeping secrets from her. Now his life hangs in the balance…and a stranger from Boston holds the key to his survival.

Nadia Karlsson makes a life-changing decision after her husband, Rafe, is involved in a tragic accident near Harvard Square. Her choice will unwittingly alter the course of Grayson’s future—and tie his fate unexpectedly to her own.

About The Author

My Review

This is a deeply emotional romance that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances. The story centers around Grayson, who has been secretly in love with his best friend Reid but keeps her at a distance due to a life-threatening heart condition. Reid grows tired of waiting for Grayson to reciprocate her feelings, but their world is turned upside down when Grayson collapses on the basketball court. His survival depends on a heart transplant, a miracle that comes at the cost of another family’s grief.

The novel delves into the emotional complexities of organ donation, examining how one family’s loss becomes another’s salvation. Grayson and Reid’s love story is interwoven with the pain and healing experienced by others affected by the transplant, including the heart donor’s family. McLaughlin captures the raw emotions of grief, longing, and hope, with well-developed characters who face their own uphill battle of heartbreak.

The narrative brings readers through a visceral journey—from frustration with Grayson’s initial actions to deep empathy for Reid, and intense moments of emotional release. Nadia, a character experiencing profound loss, adds another layer of realism and depth. The novel’s title, Heartbreak Hill, reflects not only a physical race but also the emotional challenges each character must overcome to move forward in life. The story is intense, heartfelt, and may bring readers to tears, particularly through the symbolism of cardinals, which offer moments of beauty and hope amid the heartache.

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