Book Review – Page 56

Review Card & Book Review- About Last Night By Christy McKellen

Keeping it strictly professional…

Radio DJ Lula Lazenby isn’t often lost for words, but this time she’s speechless! The man she just shared an exquisite one night with turns out to be her new boss…and his first job is to fire her!

Executive Tristan Bamfield wasn’t planning to stay in London long. Turn up, handle his father’s business and leave. But his inconvenient and instantaneous attraction to Lula has really gone and complicated things!

Tristan is a professional and everyone deserves a second chance – especially when you can’t escape the red-hot memories so he quickly reinstates Lula. Until that leads to weeks of tantalizing torture working with Lula in the studio. Tristan’s not here for a happy ever after, but his challenge now is going to be figuring out how to keep their off-the-charts attraction under wraps until it’s time to leave.

About The Author

My Review

Radio DJ Lula Lazenby is typically quiet and reserved, but after growing tired of being cautious, she decides to let loose for a night, pretending to be someone else, “Louise.” She does things she normally wouldn’t, including spending the night with the charming Tristan Bamfield. However, she’s horrified when she later discovers Tristan is actually her boss’s son, who has come to the radio station with the intention of firing her.

The story also follows Tristan, who meets Lu in a London pub while preparing to fire a DJ, Tallulah, at his father’s station after allegations of harassment. Meanwhile, Lu faces a career-altering meeting the next day but decides to let off some steam, with Tristan happily joining her. This rom-com, perfect for a holiday read, is filled with humor and relatable characters. It was the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I’m now eager to explore more of her work. It had everything I look for in a romance.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Secret Christmas Bookshop By Cressida McLaughlin

Can their Christmas love story last a lifetime?

In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift…

When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside.

Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws her to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house.

But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own.

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Sophie, a complex protagonist shaped by a difficult upbringing, which has left her guarded and hesitant to trust. I found her to be a compelling character. Opposite her is Harry, the brooding new Lord of the manor, who initially comes off as antagonistic but has hidden depths. Their dynamic works well, with both characters complementing each other like two sides of the same coin. Harry’s love for books instantly makes him likable.

The book is filled with a colorful cast of characters—friends, family, neighbors, and even pets. The idyllic village of Mistingham in Norfolk, especially during Christmas, feels like the perfect cozy setting.

Though predictable, the story’s warmth and feel-good nature are part of its charm. It’s a comforting, uplifting romcom with a guaranteed happy ending, which is exactly what I wanted. I read it in one sitting and found myself lost in the village, the romance, and the festive atmosphere. While it concludes satisfyingly, I hope there’s more to come from Mistingham in future books.

Overall, this is a heartwarming, nostalgic read that fills you with joy and warmth, perfect for cozy winter nights.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas With The Knights By Hannah Langdon

When event planner Fallon Honeywood collapses from overwork after a particularly punishing Christmas party, she reluctantly agrees to spend the holidays with her soap opera-star mother at Blakeney Hall, a grand English manor on the frosty Yorkshire moors. But what starts as an awkward family reunion soon becomes an unexpected adventure…

Fallon finds herself drawn into the charming world of the aristocratic owners of the estate – handsome widower Alexander Knight and his sensitive son Theo. As her eyes and Alexander’s meet across plans to launch his new artisanal gin business at the local Christmas Fayre, Fallon wonders if her chaotic city life might have been masking a deep loneliness she’s hidden all along…

With the help of eccentric aunt Constance Knight, a rescue donkey named Heathcliff and her adorably scruffy little dog Runcible, Fallon slowly begins to heal. But as Christmas draws near – pine needles and spicy cloves scenting the air and mistletoe festooning the doorways – Fallon faces a terrifying decision. Could this be the year she finally opens her heart? And will she choose to return to her old life in London, or find an unexpected home among the snowflake-dusted Yorkshire moors, where Christmas wishes just might come true?

About The Author

My Review

This is an enjoyable, festive read that explores real-life issues like love, relationships, and loss. Fallon Honeywood, on the verge of burnout from her event planning business, reluctantly joins her soap opera star mother at a Yorkshire manor for the holidays. The picturesque setting helps Fallon unwind and reflect on her strained relationship with her manipulative mother, while also confronting her own insecurities around love.

Though Fallon’s personal growth is somewhat predictable, the story is engaging, thanks to a colorful cast, including Runcible, her quirky dog, and Heathcliff, a carrot-loving rescue donkey. Fallon’s bond with Theo, a young boy struggling with loss, adds emotional depth to the narrative. Drama is provided by Fallon’s difficult mother and Annabel, a rival for the attention of the manor’s handsome widower.

Overall, this is an entertaining holiday read with heartwarming moments and a lively supporting cast.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas At The Little Bookshop By The Sea By Eliza J. Scott

A festive treat brimming with the magic of bookshops and Christmas…

In the seaside town of Micklewick Bay, Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte are gearing up for a magical Christmas at the Happy Hartes Bookshop. Florrie’s book-themed decorations are the talk of the town, while Ed’s dazzling window displays could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. With romance in the air, this promises to be their best holiday season yet.

But after a surprise phone call from his father, Florrie worries that Ed is keeping a secret. Why is he spending so much time in the attic? And what’s making him act so distantly?

Determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, Florrie packs their days with festive treats from gingerbread hot chocolates to sleigh rides under the stars. But when Ed disappears just a few days before Christmas, Florrie fears the worst. Will her holiday dreams shatter like a dropped bauble? Or is Florrie in for a Christmas surprise of her own?

About The Author

My Review

This is an absolutely delightful and cozy festive story, perfect for anyone who loves heartwarming Christmas reads. Although it’s the fourth book in Eliza J. Scott’s series, it stands well on its own. I still found their journey as a couple to be truly endearing. If you’re less focused on intricate character development, this book is an ideal, feel-good read for a snowy day. The charming setting of Micklewick Bay and the Happy Hartes Bookstore adds even more magic to the festive atmosphere.

Florrie and Ed are a lovable couple, and the strong sense of community and friendship surrounding them only enhances the story’s warmth. Filled with humor, sweetness, romance, and festive spirit, the book is a true Christmas treat. While the plot is light and pleasant, the enchanting holiday details—like Christmas lights, mulled wine, and ice skating—make it an immersive and heartwarming read. It fully captures the essence of Christmas, offering a perfect blend of romance, family, and community that’s sure to leave you smiling.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – Eden’s Comfort Kitchen By Tilly Tennant

Run away to Seaglass Bay where the waves crash against ivory cliffs, the beach is a perfect golden ribbon of sand, and a little café is about to change Eden’s life forever…

When Eden turns the key in the red door of Four Winds Cottage, the clifftop house where she used to holiday as a child, she is overwhelmed with bittersweet memories. She lost her mother recently, and she’s hoping Seaglass Bay will heal her broken heart.

The villagers welcome Eden with open arms, but she can’t help but notice that life is tough for them when the holidaymakers go home. Her mother always gave so much to those around her, and Eden is determined to follow in her footsteps. She sets up a community kitchen where her new friends can enjoy a homecooked meal, and as she watches people chatting over delicious stews, she feels sure that her mum would be a little bit proud of her.

But Eden’s happiness doesn’t last long. An unwelcome visitor arrives in Seaglass Bay in the form of handsome, chiselled Cam, who wants to buy the land the kitchen stands on. Eden is determined to save it and challenges him to a fortnight working with her so he can see how much would be lost if it closed.

As Cam rolls up his shirtsleeves and whips up his famous roast chicken, sparks fly and Eden feels a sense of triumph – he clearly can’t resist a challenge. The heat rises as they mess around in the kitchen, Cam’s dark hair dishevelled and his blue eyes shining with fun, and she realises that maybe he doesn’t have a heart of stone after all…

But just as she begins to let her guard down, Cam disappears without warning. Has she failed to win over the man she swore she’d never catch feelings for? And can she save the place that’s helped save her?

About The Author

My Review

Eden’s Comfort Kitchen by Tilly Tennant follows Eden as she retreats to Seaglass Bay after her mother’s sudden death. Struggling with grief, Eden embraces small-town life and opens a community café where locals pay what they can. However, tension arises when a developer threatens the café. While the story had potential, it felt rushed, with underdeveloped characters and a romance that seemed forced. The town’s charm and Eden’s growth were highlights, but the abrupt ending and unresolved plot points left it feeling incomplete. Despite its flaws, the book had heartfelt moments and a strong sense of community.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Not Exactly A Small- Town Romance By JJ Knight

Kelsey Whitaker knows every hit rom-com by heart and why they work. It’s her job. As a casting assistant to a fearsome boss nicknamed the Demon, Kelsey creates chemistry with perfect leads. Let the tropes take it from there. So where’s the meet-cute in her own life? That she’ll have to make happen herself.

With the help of her best friend and wingman, Zachery Carter—a total Hemsworth, even if his career is ebbing—Kelsey trades in her big-city stilettos for small-town tennies and hits the back roads. Somewhere between Hollywood and her Alabama roots, she’s determined to strategically stumble into the arms of an all-American flannel-wearing, decent-hearted, rustic boy next door. It’s a blockbuster blueprint for success! Isn’t it?

It’s all a secretly smitten Zachery can do not to tell Kelsey she’s looking for love in all the wrong places. If she really wants a happy ending, they may have to do a little rewriting, town by town and mile by mile. Together.

About The Author

My Review

Kelsey, a matchmaker for on-screen romances, tries to create her own real-life Hallmark-style meet-cute after visiting a fortune teller, unaware that her best friend Zach, who deeply cares for her, is her perfect match. Zach supports her in every way, but Kelsey takes him for granted while chasing love elsewhere.

Her efforts lead to funny, embarrassing situations, and she eventually realizes the small-town romances she seeks aren’t for her. The story blends humor and heart, though Kelsey’s dependency on Zach becomes more apparent when she struggles without him. Overall, it’s a lighthearted, entertaining read.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Swipe Right For Mr. Perfect By Justine Lewis

THE ART OF DATING A DUKE

For art conservationist Laura, suffering chronic endometriosis means no relationships. Only, thanks to her interfering mother, she’s matched online with @FarmerDan and can’t bring herself to swipe left… But then she learns “Dan” is really her new boss, Henry, and their attraction is as intense in person as in cyberspace! Being a modern-day duke, Henry’s duty-bound to produce an heir. So while meeting Laura is thrilling, it becomes clear that her condition makes her fertility uncertain. With life pulling them in different directions, is their connection strong enough to flourish offline?

About The Author

My Review

Laura, an art conservationist dealing with endometriosis, connects with a man on a dating app. Though she’s not ready for a relationship, they stay friends due to their strong connection. Meanwhile, her new boss, a charming Duke, might be the same man from the app, and they hit it off in real life as well. However, the Duke needs an heir to preserve his title and legacy, complicating their future due to Laura’s fertility challenges.

Laura and Henry have a great connection, both online and in person, but his need for an heir poses a major obstacle to their happiness. The story is enhanced by delightful side characters, especially their mothers, and the setting at the Duke’s estate adds charm. Laura’s endometriosis is portrayed with care, and Henry’s supportive response to her condition is especially heartwarming.

Despite the short length, their relationship is well-developed, though the reader might wish to see more of their future after the satisfying epilogue.

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Review Card & Book Review- Fa-La-La-La Faking It By Teri Wilson

It’s beginning to look a lot like kiss…er…Christmas!

Matchmaking services as a Christmas gift? No thank you! It’s bad enough that, to save her grandmother’s feelings, Adaline Bishop fibs and says she’s seeing someone. It’s worse when Jace Martin, her grade school crush turned nemesis, volunteers that he’s the someone. Now Adaline will have to fake it until Jace’s flannel-shirted, piney-scented goodness leaves town in a couple of weeks.

Jace would like to make up for his past transgressions and for his elderly uncle’s meaner-than-the-grinch behavior during Adaline’s therapy dog visits. In the spirit of peace and goodwill toward all, Jace will happily be her fake boyfriend. It’s just that what began as a lie as big as Texas is starting to feel like the magic of a Christmas wish come true.

About The Author

My Review

Adaline Bishop, who loves baking and training therapy dogs, often visits her grandmother at a senior center and tries to cheer up the grumpy Mr. Martin. When Jace Martin returns to town to care for his dying uncle, Adaline is reminded of how he embarrassed her in fifth grade. Despite their past, she reluctantly asks Jace to be her fake boyfriend for her brother’s wedding.

Set during the Christmas season, this romance blends the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes, with therapy dogs adding charm to the story. Adaline’s vibrant personality and her bond with her grandmother, along with Jace’s redemption, make for a fun and heartwarming read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Doctor Off Limits By Alison Roberts

What Happens on the Night Shift…

Helicopter paramedic Tama James isn’t afraid of hard work, danger or putting his patients first. And he expects nothing less from his team. But when his newest recruit arrives, the bubbly and beautiful Mikayla Elliot, he’s unimpressed to discover she didn’t earn her place. She’s the superior’s daughter. So, he’ll make it is mission to show her just how tough the job really is!

However, Qualified doctor Mikayla is determined to prove everyone wrong. Starting with Tama whose smile is irresistible and infuriatingly arrogant! But neither expected the added distraction of the chemistry catching fire between them. Can they ignore it long enough to keep things professional?

About The Author

My Review

Helicopter paramedic Tama James is tough, fearless, and dedicated to his patients. When he’s assigned to train Mikayla Elliot, the daughter of his superior, he’s skeptical, thinking she got the role through connections. Determined to make the process difficult for her, he soon realizes she’s just like him—hardworking, fearless, and committed to her patients. Plus, she’s an actual doctor. Their similarities lead to a deeper connection as they work together, facing challenges that reveal more about themselves.

During a call to rescue a 15-year-old boy stranded on an unstable cliff, Mikayla repels down, leaving Tama in the helicopter. What unfolds is a moment where their lives intersect in unexpected ways, with shared experiences that bring them closer. Without giving away spoilers, the story shows how life’s circumstances can draw people together, helping them confront and process what they’ve been avoiding. The depth and emotional layers of the story are far more profound than expected, and Alison Roberts masterfully tells this tale of connection and healing.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Book Of The Month By Jennifer Probst

She’s desperate for another bestseller… and she’ll go to any length to get it. Even if it means sacrificing her pride to chase the hottest bachelor in town and get him to break her heart…

Once the literary world’s golden girl, Aspen Lourde can’t seem to produce another successful book, and the pressure’s on to prove she’s not just a one-hit-wonder. But there’s a catch: her bestseller was a heartbreak hit, straight from her own love life disaster. Without any fresh romantic turmoil to fuel her pen, Aspen needs inspiration quick enough to create a book her agent can sell to her publisher. So she escapes for the summer to the Outer Banks with a plan to live a story worth writing.

Brick Babel is a romance novelist’s dream: a local heartthrob with a reputation as wild as the horses running free in the town. He’s everything Aspen needs for a muse kickstart—gorgeous, moody, and notoriously unattainable. His affairs are legendary in the small town, and every woman warns her off, including her sister.

Too bad a good heartbreak is exactly what she needs to meet her deadline.

But Brick refuses to play the game, rejecting all of her advances. When Aspen hears his tour company is on the verge of bankruptcy, she offers him a deal: fake a whirlwind summer romance, then ditch her, drama guaranteed.

Desperate to save his grandfather’s business, Brick agrees to the ridiculous deal. What starts as a contractual fling spirals out of control as lines blur and real feelings emerge. Brick’s falling hard, and Aspen’s rethinking her plot twist. The novel might be her ticket back to the top, but at what cost?

Because Aspen’s finally found her muse, but some stories may be too true to share.

About The Author

My Review

Aspen Lourde is desperate to write another bestseller, but without any new romantic drama, she’s struggling. To spark inspiration, she heads to the Outer Banks for the summer with a plan to get her heart broken by local heartthrob Brick Babel, known for his wild reputation. However, Brick isn’t interested in playing along, until Aspen offers a deal: fake a whirlwind summer romance to help her write, and in return, she’ll help him save his failing tour company. Though it starts as a fake relationship, real feelings develop, complicating the plan.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this romance novel delivers steamy chemistry, especially with Brick’s take-charge attitude. The vivid setting and engaging secondary characters add depth, making the story even more enjoyable. If you love fake dating, bad-boy romances, and small-town settings, this book is a must-read. The evolving romance between Aspen’s sister and Brick’s best friend also sets up an exciting potential sequel. Overall, it’s an entertaining and spicy read!

My Rating