Book Review – Page 57

Review Card & Book Review – The Anti-Social Season By Adele Buck

In this offbeat holiday romantic comedy, an overworked firefighter turned social media coordinator and a librarian with an unrequited crush break a few rules in the company handbook…

For Thea Martinelli, burnout is real. After working as a firefighter for the Emergency Services Department over the last ten years, she can’t stomach any more close calls. Just when she’s ready to hang up the hose for good, she’s offered an out: stay on as the station’s new social media coordinator. It’s a move that would keep her on the squad and off the truck—if she makes it through the probation period.

Basically, she needs to learn everything there is to know about social media…fast.

Librarian and social media coordinator Simon Osman is shocked to learn his new responsibilities include showing Thea Martinelli—his high school crush—the ins and outs of digital engagement. And the fact that she doesn’t even remember him? Not helpful. Still, this could be his chance to finally turn his part-time role into something long-term.

But as the chaos of the holiday season unfolds, Thea and Simon find that the closer they work together, the hotter their attraction burns. Yet giving in to these feelings could mean giving up their careers. Are they willing to risk everything they’ve worked toward…for each other?

About The Author

My Review

Thea and Simon have a complicated relationship, often creating issues where there aren’t any due to miscommunication or overreactions. Despite getting along well, their relationship is frequently disrupted by misunderstandings, which they struggle to address maturely. After periods apart, they reconnect but seem to fall into the same patterns.

This heartwarming story focuses on second chances and new beginnings, with a festive charm that many readers will enjoy. Although their past connection adds depth to the story, it sometimes overshadows their present-day romance. Overall, this is a light, quick holiday read, perfect for fans of workplace romances with a bit of spice and a cosy, uplifting tone.

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Review Card & Book Review – Lone Wolf In Lights By Stacey Kennedy

Everyone daydreams about a fresh start…but Willow Quinn is making it happen. She’s left her life in Phoenix to open a bar in cowboy-country Montana with her two best friends. It’s a chance to reboot in a new town with a new life—and leave behind the shadows of her past and heal. Hopefully.

All she wants to do is create an empowering space for women who need support. Snow and the holidays are on the way, so surely a craft circle is the perfect way to build community… Except who knew her plans would ruffle so many feathers.

Enter former bull rider Eli Cole. She’s drawn to the green-eyed cowboy, his intensity and the electrical charge between them. (Even though he seems to have as many dark secrets as she does.) And when she and her bar, The Naked Moose, go viral for being interlopers, suddenly Willow’s new life is on rocky ground.

But Eli has the perfect solution—give the fiercely single bar owner a fake relationship with a local. But while it might dim the negative spotlight and convince the town she really does fit in, it definitely won’t protect her heart from the cowboy she can’t resist…

About The Author

My Review

Willow Quinn moves to Timber Falls, Montana, with her friends Aubrey Hale and Charly Henwood to open a bar, hoping to leave behind her traumatic past, including her abusive ex, Niko Sanchez, now in jail. She’s struggling to feel safe again. Eli “The Storm” Cole, a quiet and patient man, understands this feeling of guilt and loss, having lost his sister to domestic violence while he was away on the rodeo circuit. He feels drawn to Willow and wants to protect her, though she initially pulls away after a passionate kiss.

As Christmas approaches, Willow starts a support group at the bar called “Empowerment Elves” to help local women by making and selling Christmas decorations for a women’s shelter. However, when Willow receives threatening messages, Eli suggests they pretend to date for her safety. As they grow closer, they begin to confront their pasts and build trust.

Just as things are looking up for Willow, disaster strikes, shaking both her and Eli to the core. It takes time and deep reflection before they can find their way back to each other, but ultimately, they achieve their happy ending. This steamy, fake-dating Christmas story highlights Eli’s caring nature and how he helps Willow regain her confidence. The story sets up anticipation for Aubrey and Gunner’s future romance in the series.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Wolf Of Mayfair By Christi Caldwell

I don’t want visitors. But when the butler says the caller is a she, I spring to attention. The night just got a lot more interesting.

Turns out the recently orphaned Helia Wallace has come to see my mother, her godmother, for help with a dastardly, dowry-chasing cousin. A likely story. But there’s a snowstorm brewing, and she begs me to let her stay the night. I reluctantly agree.

It’s her reputation at stake, not mine.

With the duke and duchess wintering elsewhere, Horace House is all mine. I’m free to do whatever I want. And what I want is Helia. The Marquess of Wingrave and virgins don’t typically mix, but this one’s different—too bad I could ruin her forever.

About The Author

My Review

This historical romance is a captivating blend of suspense, passion, and redemption set in the Regency era. The story follows Helia Wallace, a recently orphaned young woman fleeing a greedy cousin and arriving in London, only to meet Anthony, the Marquess of Wingrave, known as “The Wolf” for his heartless ways. Despite Anthony’s brooding and rough demeanor, sparks fly between him and Helia, leading to a fiery romance. The book is filled with witty banter, humor, danger, and steamy moments. The reviewer loved the story, especially when Anthony’s character evolves, making the eventual happy ending all the more satisfying.

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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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