Two heartbroken people from totally different worlds go on a fake-dating vacation of a lifetime. What could possibly go wrong?
Margot Ortega always struggled to be the princess in her own fairytale: a successful career, a huge salary, a gorgeous apartment, and a perfect fiancé. But on her wedding day, she suffers a major panic attack and has to call it off.
Devastated and ashamed, Margot decides to drown her sufferings in a mad night of alcohol and dancing. The next day, she goes back to the sleazy club to retrieve her sister’s cell phone, and has a crazy encounter with David Sánchez, the handsome, fun-loving bartender who persuades her to pretend to be his new girlfriend in order to make his ex jealous. David recognizes the sadness in her eyes, and together they conspire to help each other get their exes back. Little do they know how much fun they’ll have and how much they’ll complicate their lives.
A trip to Greece together that Margot sees as a much-needed getaway creates an unexpected connection and depth of intimacy between two people who belong to two totally different worlds. What starts as a simple escape for fun and adventure becomes complicated and devastating when the depth of their feelings pulls the two lovers in different directions and forces them to make a life-altering decision.
“A Perfect Story” follows Margot and David as they embark on a fake-dating vacation to escape their heartbreak. Margot, who seemingly had everything, experiences a major setback on her wedding day and meets David, a bartender recently dumped by his girlfriend for not being stable or successful. They bond over their similar sad eyes and decide to pretend to be a couple to make their exes jealous. During their trip to Greece, their fake romance turns into genuine intimacy, leading them to confront their true feelings and make life-changing decisions. The story is a heartfelt tale of love, humor, and self-discovery, told from dual perspectives and featuring an opposites-attract dynamic.
This is a charming romance set in Venice. Gina Bellini, a renowned concierge at the White Palace Hotel, expertly attends to the elite’s demands. Amidst the Carnivale season’s glamour, famed opera singer Lucia Di Santis arrives, adding to the hotel’s lively atmosphere. The novel captures Venice’s magic through atmospheric canals, alleys, and traditions. With secrets, glamorous parties, romance, and love, Kirkwood’s vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make this an engaging and heartwarming read, perfect for summer.
He doesn’t want his inheritance… but he does want her!
Griffith Lykaois has rejected his family’s billion-dollar legacy. It’s a fitting punishment for his guilt over his father’s death. Only, estate lawyer Rosalind Sutton won’t quit. Amid a raging storm, the infuriatingly alluring woman is on his remote château doorstep determined he claim his inheritance.
Rosalind needs Griffith’s signature; the career she put her life on hold for depends on it. But stranded alone with the brooding tycoon, there’s no way innocent Rosalind can escape her response to their intoxicating clashes… The question is, does Rosalind even want to?
Emmy Grayson delivers another captivating installment in The Diamond Club series. In this book, we follow Griffith, who is grappling with the grief of losing his father. Meanwhile, Rosalind has been trying to track him down to get some legal documents signed. When she finally finds him in France, a storm complicates matters, felling a tree that blocks the only route off the property and into town. Trapped together at the chateau, Griffith and Rosalind must confront their unexpected situation. Will their growing attraction prevail, or will their pasts keep them apart?
Grayson weaves a tale of two people forced to stay together until the path is cleared, providing just enough time for their connection to deepen. Will this brief time together be enough for them to act on their feelings, or will it pass as quickly as the storm? Discover how these characters navigate their identities and desires in this engaging read.
A gorgeous rom com, full of chemistry, heart and romance.
Greta Davies, the features editor at a women’s magazine, is accomplished and successful. That is, in all areas except her love life.
Determined to help, Greta’s boss – and friend – secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, and sets out to make her dreams come true.
Work-obsessed Greta is nothing if not stubborn, so it’ll take some creative thinking, which leads to a lightbulb moment: a new column focused on dating in the city.
With date after disastrous date, things are not looking rosy for Greta. But little does Greta know, the perfect man has been there all along. Will she realise it’s more than friendship before it’s too late?
Greta, a successful editor at a women’s magazine, finds herself still single at 35. Her boss secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, a matchmaking service, to find Greta her perfect match. Poppy, a former psychiatrist turned matchmaker, will write about dating for the online magazine, and Greta is to date potential suitors for these articles. Although Greta is initially negative and aware of her boss’s scheme, she doesn’t want to disappoint her.
The only positive aspect for Greta is her new friendship with Ewan, whom she meets daily at a coffee shop. As they grow closer, Greta starts to wonder if her perfect match might be right in front of her, rather than through a matchmaking service.
“The One That I Want” brings readers back to the Ever After Agency with Poppy focusing on another client. Despite Greta’s success and supportive friends and family, she struggles with self-doubt. Her best friend Tiggy, who is straightforward and hilarious, adds humor and support.
The story features funny dates, confusion, and surprising moments. Though it’s the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Returning characters, including Poppy and her relationship, make it engaging, and readers may be inspired to read the previous books due to the enjoyable narrative.
Since the death of her beloved father, Isla Marlowe has felt the need to do something to honour his memory; something meaningful that will bring joy to others and repay the kindness of a stranger who changed their lives. She’s got the perfect solution, but she’s worried not everyone will understand.
A precious gift…
Aidan Kennedy and his husband, Jase, are desperate to start a family of their own, but finding the right woman to help them is difficult and some people don’t think they should even try. So when Isla offers them the chance to fulfil their dream, they can’t believe their wish is about to come true.
A family made of friends?
But when Isla is forced to face her greatest fear, Aidan and Jase’s dream has to be put on hold. Broken-hearted and questioning everything she once believed, Isla desperately needs someone to share her problems with but has no idea where to turn.
But then, in her darkest hour she discovers that friends can be the family you choose for yourself.
This is another great story that goes beyond just a romance (though there is a bit of that too). The perspective of the egg donor in an IVF story was really interesting. Isla’s reasoning is well thought-out and makes perfect sense. I appreciated the extensive discussions between Isla & Aidan and Aidan & Jase about the egg donation; it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision for anyone, and even more discussions occurred when Isla’s health took a turn. I just wish Aidan had been upfront about his thoughts and that Isla could have approached him when she sensed he was having second thoughts. One simple conversation could have prevented a lot of stress for both of them.
It was wonderful to learn more about Aidan, who we’ve met as a supporting character in previous books. I enjoyed discovering what was beneath the surface. It was heartening that Jase’s family welcomed him (and Isla) warmly, especially since his own family was quite a letdown. I’m glad Aidan reached a point where he could be honest with his family, particularly his father, though I’m not entirely convinced by how quickly everyone came around. And while I found it hard to believe his father would show support on an online forum, I’m happy for Aidan because he deserved family involvement in his life, so I can overlook that.
The romance for Isla was also really sweet. The pacing of her and Reuben’s story was perfect. There’s an immediate attraction, but their relationship develops gradually through family group chats and dinners. I’m glad she realized her mistake in pushing him away. And, as always, I love how this author naturally incorporates characters from previous books so we get updates on them without their stories overshadowing the main plot.
When Jesse Lightning meets Minnie Byrne, he is having a bad day. Reeling from the effects of a very bruised heart, the last thing Jesse wants is a new friend. But Minnie is hard to say no to, and reluctantly Jesse realises that her impetuous playfulness might do him good.
So when Minnie suggests they go on fortnightly platonic dates with no strings, no promises, no expectations beyond good company, Jesse agrees before he has a chance to think too deeply about it.
Two friends.
Five days.
No chance of another broken heart.
Until Jesse reveals a secret that proves Minnie’s heart isn’t as safe as she thought. Thank goodness five days isn’t enough time to fall in love…
Minnie is heartbroken. Her therapist suggests she make new friends, so she decides to befriend a stranger who is having a bad day. Though Jesse is unsure, he agrees to meet her and just “hang out.” The rules are simple: only first names, no phone numbers, have fun, and no falling in love. Five days. No chance of falling in love, right?
I loved this book! In true Zoe Folbigg fashion, things are never what they seem. This book is fast-paced and dynamic; the way she describes the different locations and the characters’ interactions made me feel as if I were right there with them, watching the scenes unfold. I love that her stories have a serendipitous quality to them—it makes for the most heartwarming happily-ever-afters. And those plot twists?! I did not see them coming, that’s all I’m saying.
Jesse was so endearing. His life was in pieces; he was heartbroken and grieving, but he was sweet and flawed, making him quite relatable. Minnie was a bit of a mess, also heartbroken but for different reasons, and she is desperately trying to piece her life back together. They made quite the unexpected pair, falling for the versions of each other they knew—none of them had the full picture—but in reality, who does? In the end, they had more in common than they knew.
This is the perfect summer read, and the blurb doesn’t do this story justice—there is so much that happens in and between those five days.
Ottilie Oakcroft can’t imagine living anywhere but the village of Thimblebury. Since moving there after her husband’s death, the villagers have welcomed her with open arms, and it’s been a long time since she’s felt this happy. Another reason for the sparkle in her eyes is her blossoming romance with Heath, who showed her that second chances at love can happen.
But when a chance meeting with Heath’s glamorous ex-wife Mila sparks a terrible argument between the pair, and with Ottilie’s patients keeping her too busy to repair the cracks in their relationship, things begin to feel a little shaky. Especially when Simon, a handsome new GP with dark eyes and broad shoulders, arrives in Thimblebury, and Heath shows a jealous side that Ottilie has never seen before…
Ottilie knows how lucky she is to have found Heath but when she discovers that Mila has been secretly visiting Thimblebury she fears the worst. Heath tries to reassure her, but why did he keep Mila’s visits a secret? Did Ottilie make a mistake when she opened her fragile heart or is she letting the hurt from her past stand in the way of their future?
In the second book of the series, we return to the Lakes and follow Ottilie, the nurse. The story resumes shortly after the events of the first book, but it provides enough background on the characters and previous events to be read as a standalone.
Ottilie and Heath are in a relationship, and the narrative explores their ups and downs, featuring some significant twists. Everything seems almost too perfect until it isn’t. Ottilie senses something is wrong but can’t pinpoint it. When she finally discovers the truth, it’s a major plot twist that I don’t want to spoil. The revelation leads to a dramatic upheaval, forcing Ottilie to confront many issues. I enjoyed watching her self-reflect, recognize her tendency to prioritize others over herself, and ultimately stand up for her own needs. It was empowering and relatable at times.
The secondary storyline of Stacey and Simon was heartwarming. I’m really happy for them after all their heartache; they deserve happiness. I appreciated how cautious they were with each other. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Ottilie, the village nurse.
The last thing vet nurse Aurora expects this summer is for her quiet life to be disrupted by the arrival of veterinarian Eli. Back to take up the reins of his late father’s practice, it’s clear he doesn’t want to be here. And with secrets of her own, Aurora’s attraction to the brooding doc is completely inconvenient. Yet, as a grudging respect develops, their feelings begin to shift… Could a moonlit kiss change everything?
Eli, a brooding veterinarian, and Aurora, a fiery vet tech, start as polar opposites, each running from their pasts. Over the course of the novel, they begin to bring out the best in each other, helped by a lovable pup named Bert. Supporting characters Matt and Marianne also play a significant role in softening the main characters and bringing them closer together. The romance develops slowly and tentatively, respecting the characters’ complex histories. The story includes various animal patients, adding to its charm. Overall, it is a well-paced romance with likable characters, and satisfying ending, making it an enjoyable read for dog lovers and those in the pet care field.
NYPD diver Gavin Hayes can’t stop thinking about the woman he rang in the New Year with. Assistant district attorney Sera Forte needs to find the man she spent the night with and break the news of her unexpected pregnancy. When they learn they’ve been paired up for a new criminal task force, they realize they need to solve more than the mystery they’ve been given. The burning attraction that brought them together still smolders. But the case Gavin and Sera are working is a dangerous one. Can he protect the woman he loves and their baby?
The story combines romance and suspense, revolving around Gavin and Sera, who shared an anonymous New Year’s Eve and haven’t forgotten each other since. Sera, now pregnant, doesn’t know how to find Gavin. She is an assistant district attorney who joins a special task force, only to unexpectedly encounter Gavin, a diver with the NYPD’s Harbor Unit. Their initial meeting is awkward, but they soon reconnect and develop a deeper relationship. Sera’s pregnancy shocks Gavin, but he quickly embraces it. Both are initially hesitant to admit their strong feelings but grow closer over time. The suspense element involves a case with a weapons cache and escalating danger, keeping the story engaging. The team’s efforts and the final confrontation add to the story’s intensity and excitement.
Ten years after graduating, the class of 2014 are back at Tisdale Comprehensive for the reunion, packed into a school gym full of familiar faces—and plenty of new secrets.
MOST LIKELY TO END UP TOGETHER – Shaun and Steph were each other’s first love. Now, they’re settled and planning the perfect wedding— to other people. Could reconnecting spark a new romance?
MOST LIKELY TO BECOME FAMOUS – Bryony was supposed to travel the world, rule the West End, have a dazzling career as a TV actress… Now, she’s a drama teacher who’s exaggerated her whole life on Instagram, and is desperate to save face.
MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED – Hayden was told he’d achieve great things, like be on the cover of TIME, win a Nobel prize… or, the accolade his daughters just awarded him: World’s Best Dad. Is it too late for him to turn things around, and more importantly, does he even want to?
MOST LIKELY TO KILL EACH OTHER – Ashleigh was an A+ student, and Ryan the star of the school rugby team. After years of putting each other down, they left school each convinced they would have the better life. Now, that old rivalry finds them drawn back together in a new, intoxicating way—one they’re both determined to hide.
With an evening of power cuts, fire alarms, sneaking off to explore classrooms in the dark, stolen kisses and heated fights—it’s like they never left at all.
With This Ring By Amy Clipston
Dakota thought she had left her dreams of happily-ever-after behind, along with the pain of a broken engagement to her high school sweetheart, Hudson. Now, as the proud owner of Fairytale Bridal Shop in the picturesque town of Flowering Grove, she’s built a life and a business on helping brides find their perfect dress for their own fairytale weddings. But running a small business is not for the faint of heart, and when her ex-fiancé unexpectedly returns to town with a mission—to put a stop to his sister’s wedding—Dakota’s problems go from bad to worse.
Hudson Garrity should be living his dream. After selling his software company, he’s single, handsome, and rich, but an unexpected call from his baby sister has him flying down to his hometown, determined to protect Layla from yet another big mistake. Though he’s single-minded in his effort to derail the nuptials, he instead finds himself thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister with her plans . . . bringing him once more into contact with Dakota Jamison, the one who got away.
For Hudson, coming home means revisiting his painful childhood, repairing a strained relationship with his sister, and coming face-to-face with the woman he never stopped loving. For Dakota, it means confronting the tender memories she buried deep within her heart. As Layla’s wedding date draws close, the two reunited lovers begin to question if what went wrong between them really happened the way they remembered it at all. Will they continue believing the lies they’ve told themselves, or will they remain forever entangled in the threads of what could have been?
Track Her Down By Melinda Leigh
A teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Responding to the call, Sheriff Bree Taggert realizes the crime wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. The couple was executed. The sole survivor: their traumatized teenage daughter, Claire Mason.
Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but together they uncover more questions than answers. When Claire is stalked at the park, it’s clear the killer isn’t finished—and she’s the next target.
As Bree and Matt sift through the past—suspect by suspect—a tangled web of deception emerges, and the truth becomes harder to see. Because the victims’ entire lives were a lie. And the only way to protect the vulnerable girl is to unravel her parents’ secrets.
Midnight In Paris By Gillian Harvey
Ten years. Two people. One last visit…
Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.
They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.
Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.
Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…
My Sanctuary 