Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Once Upon A Boy Band By Jenny Proctor

Once upon a time, she slept with his poster beside her bed. Now he’s all grown up, hiding behind a burly beard and lots of flannel … and she doesn’t have a clue.

Eight years ago, Adam Driscoll walked away from his stage name—Deke—and the boyband that turned him into an international star before his eighteenth birthday.

And he never looked back.

It didn’t even matter that everyone blamed him for the band’s breakup. He might miss making music, but he had good reasons for walking. Give him solitude over thousands of screaming fans any day of the week.

These days, the only company he’s truly interested in is that of the vet who works closely with his dog rescue—Dr. Laney Lawson. She’s brilliant, funny, beautiful, and best of all, she has no idea he used to be a pop star.

But then Adam’s bandmates reach out about a one-time reunion concert benefiting a charity that’s close to his heart, and he starts to wonder if some things are worth a little extra attention. He loves the idea of singing again, but saying yes would out him to the small mountain community that has become his refuge. Worse, it would out him to Laney.

But old hurts can’t stay buried forever. And something tells Adam that scary or not, saying yes is the decision he needs to make. He just has to hope he doesn’t lose the life—or the woman—he loves in the process.

About The Author

My Review

In this charming small-town romance, Laney, a veterinarian, meets Adam, the rugged owner of a local dog rescue. They bond instantly over their love for music and dogs, and Adam finally musters the courage to ask her out. However, Laney has a sense of déjà vu—Adam is actually Deke Driscoll, her teenage crush and a former member of the boyband Midnight Rush. The story unfolds with sweet and realistic banter as Laney and Adam navigate their relationship before and after Laney discovers his true identity. The dual perspectives provide insight into Adam’s past and his decision to live a quiet life. While lighthearted and filled with humorous and heartwarming moments, the book also delves into deeper themes, such as grief. The characters are endearing (except for Kevin), and readers will find themselves rooting for them. Perfect for fans of small-town romances, this novel feels like a warm hug to boyband fans and those coping with loss. It’s a delightful read that will leave you eager for more from the author.

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Review Card & Book Review – Fall Into Temptation By Lucy Score

Beckett Pierce is the most eligible bachelor in the nosiest small town in upstate New York. But after his last girlfriend handcuffed herself to his porch and set his welcome mat on fire, he’s not looking for any more romance.

Especially if it lands right in his own backyard. And has miles of red hair.

Gianna Decker has her hands full—no, overflowing—with problems. With two kids, a useless ex, and a brand new yoga studio, the last thing on her mind is finding a man who’ll demand more of her time.

Fantasizing about her hot, broody landlord? Mistake. Lusting after the sexy mayor of her new town? Terrible idea. Getting naked with the “favorite” son of her father’s new lady friend? N-O. Getting involved with Beckett has disaster written all over it.

Those stolen kisses were accidental. A few moments of strings-free, sizzling passion couldn’t possibly cause any trouble. At least, not until tempers flare when their families complicate things and the interfering citizens of Blue Moon step in with their special brand of chaos.

About The Author

My Review

This is the second book in Lucy Score’s Blue Moon romance series, newly rebranded and published by Bloom Books. The story centers on Beckett Pierce, the logical and level-headed Pierce brother from the first book, “No More Secrets,” as he embarks on a romantic journey with his new tenant, single mom Gianna. While the fresh cover design and the republishing of Lucy Score’s work are exciting, this installment fell short of expectations. Despite Beckett being a favorite side character in the previous book, his quickness to judge and his irrational anger toward Gianna felt out of character, making this aspect of the story feel forced and unnecessary. Overall, the book didn’t fully deliver on the promise of Beckett’s character from the first novel.

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Review Card & Book Review- Winter Wishes In The Scottish Highlands By Donna Ashcroft

Singleton and city-girl Ivy Heart has just turned thirty. She’s a chronic list-maker, married to her five-year-plan, and can’t remember when she last had a Christmas off. This year is no different; PA to Lady Miriam Ballentine, Ivy has been tasked with bringing her estranged grandson home before Christmas Eve in return for a reference. With her dream job on the line, Ivy packs her bags for the snowy Scottish Highlands to track down the heir to the Ballentine estate.

But when Ivy arrives at Christmas Resort, she discovers Ross Ballentine is far from a polished Laird-to-be. Rough around the edges, free-spirited and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, Ivy is shocked when he drives off on his snowmobile at the first mention of his grandmother. Not taking his frosty tracks as an answer, Ivy books herself onto his reindeer spotting tour, determined to convince this recluse to return to his responsibilities at the crumbling family castle.

But events don’t follow Ivy’s meticulous schedule as she spends time with Ross in his rustic cabin, switching her phone and mind off to the demands of city life. Soon it’s not just the log fire heating up between them. Does Ivy have more in common with this grumpy woodsman than she thought?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming Christmas novel about love, self-discovery, and following one’s true path. Ivy Heart is torn between her passion for nature and her mother’s career expectations, while Ross Ballentine, a nature lover, left his family estate, Hawthorn Castle, burdened by guilt over his parents’ deaths.Ivy takes a job with Lady Miriam Ballentine to bring Ross back home by Christmas. Initially focused on her career, Ivy grows closer to Ross and starts to reconsider her ambitions, while Ross confronts his past. Set in a festive backdrop, this story offers a journey of healing and personal growth, with relatable characters and meaningful life lessons for a holiday read.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Tanglewood Bookshop By Lilac Mills

A rural book shop. A chance to start over. But can she make her dream a reality?

Kazz used to love the excitement of her London life, but lately her passion for expensive city living has begun to wane. So when she’s given the opportunity to open a bookshop in picturesque Tanglewood, she jumps at the chance.

But village life is much quieter than she anticipated – is she actually suited for rural living? Resigned to a boring and uneventful Christmas, when she meets gorgeous Saul she is more than ready to have some fun and enjoy the festivities. If only Saul didn’t have a reputation for being a player…

Will Kazz become the heroine in her own Christmas romance, or will he love her and leave her under the mistletoe?

About The Author

My Review

Kazz, a London chef, loses her job and home just before Christmas and seeks refuge in the small town of Tanglewood with her best friend, Stevie. She unexpectedly opens a bookshop, embracing new possibilities and adapting to a slower pace of life. As she navigates the town’s warm atmosphere, she finds herself drawn to Saul, a local Lothario, despite their contrasting priorities and external meddling. The novel captures the charm of small-town life, with standout characters like Betty, a no-nonsense helper, and Donald, who adds warmth and humor to the story.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Grown-Up To Do List By Jennifer Joyce

Her friends are bossing life – is she being left behind?

25-year-old Cleo is happy enough. She likes her job in the fish and chip shop in the North West seaside town where she grew up. But her world has become very small – all her friends couldn’t wait to leave home and are off, apparently crushing life. They have shiny careers and creative side-hustles, while she is still living with her mum and dad.

But when she learns that her dream childhood boyfriend is coming back to town for a party in three months, she decides she needs to start adulting to win him.

But what does being a grown-up really mean? And can she become one in three months?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Cleo, a 25-year-old who feels stuck in her small coastal town life, still living with her parents and working at a fish and chip shop. When she reconnects with an old high school friend, Cleo is inspired to change and creates a “To-Do List” to become a more responsible and independent adult.Though initially immature and frustrated with her situation, Cleo’s journey of self-improvement and growth makes her increasingly likable. The story is filled with humor, charm, and relatable moments of personal development. This fast-paced rom-com, with its short chapters and engaging style, is perfect for fans of chick lit and contemporary romance, offering a delightful mix of laughs and heartfelt moments.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Start Of The Story By Jane Lovering

Rowan Thorpe can be forgiven for living with one foot in the past.

Since having to say goodbye far too young to the future she had planned, moving on still feels a daunting task. So, when historian Connor O’Keefe strides purposefully into her office and life, looking far too handsome for his own good and threatening to undermine the local legends she holds close to her heart, she is more than a little unsettled.

Connor has a past too, and his own reasons to keep his heart under wraps. But when a combination of fate and an unexpected snowstorm mean that Rowan and Connor have all the time in the world to swap stories, it may finally be time for an end and a new beginning.

About The Author

My Review

Rowan, an English folklorist grieving her husband’s death, avoids new relationships by focusing solely on work. Her life changes when Connor, a historian with his own past hurts, arrives to research a folkloric site, challenging Rowan’s comfort zone. When a snowstorm traps them together in a cottage, they share stories and slowly begin to heal.

Jane Lovering’s novel masterfully balances humor with the deep themes of grief and healing. Rowan’s complexity and Connor’s gentle patience create a touching dynamic as they help each other move forward. The story’s dual timeframes add mystery, while the slow-building romance is both sweet and heartfelt. This is a beautifully written tale of loss, remembrance, and new beginnings.

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Review Card & Book Review – Coming Home To Starr’s Fall By Kate Hewitt

The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

About The Author

My Review

Laurie Ellis moves to Starr’s Fall, Connecticut, to open a pet shop and search for the family she has never known. Despite her challenging past, Laurie remains optimistic and determined to find a true sense of belonging. The novel captures the cozy, autumnal charm of the small town and follows Laurie as she builds new friendships and explores a possible romance with a local bookstore owner.

Beyond its feel-good romance, the story also delves into deeper themes such as grief, parental loss, and the struggles of growing up in foster care. It is a heartwarming read for fans of clean romances centered around community and connection.

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Review Card & Book Review – A New Arrival At Duck Pond Cottage By Della Galton

It’s not just animals who need to be rescued…

Following the unexpected death of her mother, and the breakdown of her relationship, animal loving idealist Jade Foster, uses her inheritance to buy a smallholding in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside hoping to realise her dream of providing a sanctuary for unloved animals in need of a new home.

Jade employs the enigmatic Finn McTaggart to help out at Duck Pond Lane Rescue and forms a friendship with both Finn and her local Vet, Aiden Southerland. But Finn is running from his own demons and Aiden longs for a more romantic relationship with broken-hearted Jade.

Romance is not on the cards for Jade, but as both men fall for her natural beauty, the rivalry between them hots up. But can any of them heal enough to find lasting love?

What none of them realise is that a devastating secret from the past has the power to destroy the present and that love, however wonderful, isn’t always enough.

About The Author

My Review

After her estranged mother’s death, Jade Foster opens Duck Pond Rescue, an animal sanctuary, while struggling with feelings of worthlessness. Finn, an artist posing as a handyman, arrives to help with renovations, while Aiden, the local vet, believes Finn isn’t good enough for Jade. As they navigate a tangled story filled with sweet, fun moments, connections to Puddleduck Farm and a few challenges add humor and depth. The book offers a charming read, with engaging characters and anticipation for the next installment in the series.

My Rating

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