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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Review Card & Book Review – We Three Kings By Kristen Bailey

Maggie Field was looking forward to a solo Christmas in her cosy London flat – before her three workmates decided to liven things up for her.

Maggie loves her job as head of IT at a financial firm, and her three geeky but lovable work buddies. And when they invite her to stay with each of them for the holidays, she can’t resist the chance to get to know them better.

But then her boss tells her she has to make one of her beloved team redundant, and Maggie is distraught. Frank’s work is his world, Jasper’s sarcastic humour is everything, and Leo…well, he’s talented, professional, confusingly attractive, dependable, and funny… Maggie definitely doesn’t want to lose him.

With her career and her heart on the line, Maggie sets off on the Christmas adventure of a lifetime, from playing fake girlfriend at a lavish wedding, to rescuing baby foxes on a posh country estate, to chasing a very confused donkey on Christmas Day in the Lake District. She can’t ignore the sparks between her and Leo – but she also can’t avoid her dilemma.

Can she find a way to keep her work family together, and maybe even find true love under the mistletoe?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming Christmas romcom centered on Maggie, an IT supervisor who has worked closely with her three colleagues—Frank, Jasper, and Leo—for the past four years. The four have grown into a tight-knit group, almost like family. When the guys discover that Maggie will be spending Christmas alone, they make it their mission to ensure she isn’t. Maggie ends up spending time with each of them and their families, deepening her connection with all three men.

However, Maggie faces a difficult dilemma just before the holidays: HR informs her that she must choose one person from her team to be made redundant in the new year. As she spends the holidays enjoying the company of her colleagues and their families, this tough decision weighs heavily on her mind.

The story beautifully balances humor, warmth, and the strong bonds of friendship, with plenty of amusing moments that highlight the dynamics between Maggie and the men. A twist at the end helps preserve their closeness, while her budding romance with Leo adds a sweet touch to the tale. Full of festive cheer, it’s a feel-good read that’s perfect for the holiday season, even if the plot feels predictable at times. The book’s sense of family, friendship, and holiday magic makes it a delightful and charming read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Stuck In Paradise With You By Laura Carter

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Carrie and Luke, exes forced together on a week-long trip. Miscommunication drives their conflict, dragging out tension. While the setting and side characters add charm, the unresolved issues between Carrie and Luke make the story feel longer than necessary. Both have valid reasons for their feelings, but their failure to communicate until the end frustrated the reviewer. Despite this, it’s a light and fun read with a happy ending for fans of second-chance romance.

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Review Card & Book Review – Mistletoe Magic In The Highlands By Bella Osborne

Olivia Bingham is unlucky in love…

She’s been ghosted more times than she can count, but this Christmas brings a glimmer of hope: Fraser Douglas, a Scottish chef working at an idyllic hotel in the Highlands. He’s sweet and sensitive, thoughtful and funny, not to mention incredibly good looking – but there’s a catch.

They’ve never actually met.

When Olivia tries to show her friends the hunky new man in her life, Fraser’s online dating profile has vanished, and Olivia fears the worst. Frustrated and wounded, she decides she’s going to confront Fraser – face to face, in Scotland.

But when she arrives, things don’t go exactly as planned. Worse still, Fraser doesn’t seem to have any idea who she is…

About The Author

My Review

This heartwarming rom-com set during Christmas in the Scottish Highlands follows Olivia “Liv” Bingham, who has had terrible luck in love, especially with online dating. After being ghosted multiple times, including by a man named Fraser whom she believed might be “the one,” Olivia is fed up. Encouraged by her mother, she decides to confront Fraser in person by traveling to the Highlands, only to discover that he doesn’t even recognize her when they meet.

What starts as an awkward encounter turns into a longer, unexpected stay in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, where Olivia navigates mishaps and misunderstandings. The story is full of witty banter, comedic moments, and holiday cheer, offering a sweet, clean romance without any explicit scenes. Olivia’s journey to finding love unfolds against the backdrop of Scotland’s scenic beauty, making it a perfect festive read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Christmas At The Board Game Cafe By Jennifer Page

Kate seems to have it all – wonderful friends, a successful career and an idyllic life in the quirky Yorkshire town of Essendale. But under the surface Kate’s lonely, and she longs to feel part of a family – especially during Christmas.

With the holiday season fast approaching, and the town desperate to attract more visitors, Kate conceives a brilliant plan: an enchanting living Advent calendar. Each December evening, a captivating window display will be unveiled across town. With local businesses struggling, including her best friend’s board game café, she’s feeling the pressure. 

But Kate’s picture-perfect plans take an unexpected turn when her ex-boyfriend arrives in Yorkshire, insisting on creating the Christmas Eve display. Can Kate trust him to deliver a show-stopping window? And can she finally put the past behind her and embrace the future she’s always dreamed of?

About The Author

My Review

Christmas at the Board Game Café follows Kate, a skilled organizer who is tasked with reviving business in a struggling village during the holiday season. She devises the idea of a Living Advent Calendar, revealing one window each night leading up to Christmas. Despite her professional success, Kate feels lonely and unfulfilled, especially when it comes to finding love. However, this Christmas brings her a second chance at romance.

The book is a cozy, heartwarming read, perfect for fans of Christmas stories. The well-drawn characters, realistic friendships, and the charming English village setting make it feel like a Hallmark movie. Kate, an overachieving perfectionist, wrestles with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to find a loving relationship. As she takes on the challenge of organizing the village-wide event, the story unfolds with warmth, humor, and a touch of romance, leaving readers both satisfied and longing for more.

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Review Card & Book Review- Lessons In Love At The Cornish Country Hospital By Jo Bartlett

A broken bond…

Wendy Tyler’s marriage ended when she discovered her ex-husband, Mike, had got his much younger new partner, Chloe, pregnant. Wendy’s over Mike, but suddenly she fears her own daughters will find a new baby much more exciting that their old mum…

A chance encounter…

But when Wendy bumps into Chloe at St Piran’s, it’s clear something is troubling the fragile young woman. Wendy doesn’t want to be sucked into Chloe and Mike’s relationship, but she can’t help worrying that Chloe needs someone to turn to.

A lesson in love.

And when Wendy realizes that Chloe is more fragile than any of them realised, she knows she has to step up. She might not love Mike anymore, but Chloe is about to join their family and Wendy can’t just stand by. Sometimes life is hard, but the easiest lessons are built on a solid foundation of love.

About The Author

My Review

This book centers on Wendy, a hospital housekeeper navigating life after a difficult divorce. Now in a stable relationship, she struggles with body image issues and the fact that her daughters prefer spending time with her ex-husband’s younger, pregnant girlfriend, Chloe. Despite her insecurities, Wendy steps in to support Chloe during a tough moment at the hospital, showing her compassion. Meanwhile, Danni, a senior doctor, is balancing her demanding job while preparing for motherhood, with rising stress due to her lack of a support network. The story is filled with well-written drama, heartbreaking moments, and lovely instances of lightness and laughter, making it a perfect balance of emotion. The depth of the research adds realism to the medical and personal challenges the characters face. With its strong emotional connection, warmth, and humor, the book is a true page-turner, keeping readers engaged until its uplifting conclusion.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Highland Family Affair By Lisa Hobman

Can people ever really change or are family ties always set to unravel?

After inheriting Drumblair Castle over her older brother Kerr, Lady Olivia MacBain has had to forge a new life for herself far away from New York and her dream career in fashion. She fears her brother’s bitterness has fractured their relationship to the point of no return and is still clearing away the devastation he left when he disappeared.

Kerr’s unexpected return and supposed change of heart raises eyebrows. He is now seeking forgiveness and to rebuild the bridges he previously wrecked, but can he be trusted, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?

While her friends are settling down, Olivia patiently waits for childhood sweetheart Brodie to propose and wonders if she will ever get her happy ever after.

Can Olivia find a happy future or are promises always made to be broken?

About The Author

My Review

A Highland Family Affair by Lisa Hobman is a heartwarming novel set at Drumblair Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Lady Olivia MacBain deals with the fallout from her brother Kerr’s past mistakes, while hoping her childhood love, Brodie, will propose. Kerr’s sudden return, claiming he has changed, adds tension, though he starts building a bond with a teenager named Will. The story focuses on Olivia’s relationships, offering a sweet, character-driven narrative with touches of humor, especially from the quirky Isla. Overall, it’s a light and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of family and romance-driven stories.

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Review Card & Book Review – The One That Got Away By Olivia Spring

What if the one who got away is really the one?

When Stella finds herself back home with a string of disastrous dates under her belt, she’s certain she’s hit rock bottom. Until she discovers her mother has signed her up to The Love Hotel: a luxury matchmaking service where a perfect love match is guaranteed! Stella is adamant she’ll have nothing to do with this nonsense! But then a match is found faster than she can say ‘Not. A. Chance!’ So, how bad can two weeks in the scorching Spanish sunshine be?

Very bad, actually. Because when Stella arrives, she’s mortified to learn her date is no perfect stranger. In fact she knows him a little too well. Because Max is the childhood sweetheart who broke her heart, who her heart remembers and who is more gorgeous than ever.

With no refunds, Stella reluctantly decides to stay and enjoy the holiday – all she has to do is keep Max at an arm’s length…right? Easier said than done when Max is impossible to ignore. And as the Love Hotel begins to work its matchmaking magic, Stella can’t deny that the sparks still sizzle between them. And maybe, the experts were right after all…

About The Author

My Review

This playful and spicy romance centers on Stella and Max, two former lovers who reconnect after years apart. The novel explores the idea that sometimes relationships fall apart not because of incompatibility, but because the timing isn’t right. Max ended his relationship with Stella when they were younger, and both have since struggled to find new connections.

Max’s best friend signs him up for a vacation at a hotel that promises a “love match,” while Stella’s mom arranges a surprise trip for her to the same hotel. To their surprise, they are matched with each other. What follows is a fun and steamy journey as they rekindle their romance, moving from resistance and caution to full-on sparks and fireworks.

The novel is filled with humor, charm, and plenty of sizzling chemistry between the two main characters. Olivia Spring delivers a light-hearted and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of second-chance romance.

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