Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – ‘Tis The Damn Season By Fiona Gibson

Old friends Shelley, Lena and Pearl have reached their limit with the festive preparation that has always fallen to them, and five days before Christmas, they’ve booked a mini break… without their families. Up until Christmas Eve, they’ll be sipping prosecco in the Highlands while their kids wrap bacon around 100 chipolatas and their partners brave the supermarkets.

It’s exactly what they need… until they’re snowed in. Facing the prospect of Christmas 500 miles from home, each woman is forced to confront her real reasons for needing to escape: the fiance with the obnoxious family; the son’s new girlfriend who is taking over their home; the family who take their mother for granted all year round…

Will the friends make it home before Christmas day? And if they do, can they really go back to their old lives?

About The Author

My Review

This humorous and heartwarming novel follows three women overwhelmed by Christmas preparations, who escape to a Scottish B&B for a break. Facing unexpected challenges, they bond, navigate family dynamics, and ultimately find happiness. Meanwhile, their families at home struggle to manage Christmas without them, leading to satisfying resolutions. The story is funny, insightful, and has a perfect happy ending, ideal for fans of women’s fiction.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Sky Beneath Us By Fiona Valpy

1927. Violet Mackenzie-Grant is embarking on her dream of studying at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women. She doesn’t yet know that it’s a journey that will take her to Kathmandu and beyond, deep into captivating landscapes and cultures that are worlds away from everything and everyone she’s left behind in Scotland.

2020. Daisy Laverock has dreamed of retracing the footsteps of her great-great-aunt Violet ever since discovering her long-lost journals, whose accounts of plant hunting in the 1930s inspired Daisy’s own career. Divorced, and facing an empty nest, Daisy decides to embark on the trip of a lifetime. She arrives in Nepal, ready to start trekking in the shadow of Everest. But fate, and the pandemic, have other plans.

Stranded and alone, Daisy must fall back on the kindness of strangers, taking inspiration from Violet’s determination and resilience to keep going in the darkest of times. As she gradually pieces together the fragments of Violet’s story and uncovers long-held secrets, can Daisy finally reveal a path forward to her own future?

About The Author

My Review

This book tells the interwoven stories of two women from different eras, Violet in 1927 and Daisy in 2020. Violet, a student at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women, faces an unexpected pregnancy and decides to leave the school to embark on a journey to Nepal to reunite with the father of her child. Almost a century later, Daisy, newly divorced and with her children grown, discovers Violet’s journals. Inspired by her great-great-aunt’s story, Daisy decides to follow in her footsteps and travel to Nepal.

The novel alternates between these two timelines, exploring themes of passion, determination, love, and sacrifice. The author, Fiona Valpy, skillfully integrates the COVID-19 pandemic into Daisy’s story, making it relatable and authentic for contemporary readers. The book is praised for its engaging plot twists, relatable characters, and compassionate reflection on the pandemic, creating a compelling and beautifully written narrative about two women navigating challenges in Nepal’s rugged environment.

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Review Card & Book Review – Illicit Temptations By Katee Robert

What if the one person you shouldn’t want is the one you can’t resist?

Make Me Yours

Becka Baudin gets what she wants, and she wants Aaron Livingston—but only for a quick affair. Weeks later, her coveted freedom starts to disappear thanks to a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Aaron insists she move in to his penthouse and commit to a relationship, but Becka demands he give her space without pushing for more. They are total opposites—with different jobs, interests, lives. But their chemistry keeps pushing them together…for better or for worse?

Make Me Need

Trish Livingston desperately needs her new job. Which means putting up with the world’s grumpiest boss—who is also her brother’s best friend and business partner, Cameron O’Clery. The way he looks at her is pure disdain…but when he touches her, it’s pure fire. With family and business ties at stake, they are not supposed to be together. There’s a fine line between hate and lust, and they are going to cross it…but at what cost?

About The Author

My Review

This is a book that features two novellas set in the same universe, offering readers a mix of romance tropes and character-driven stories.

Novella 1 focuses on Becka and Aaron, who unexpectedly find themselves dealing with a pregnancy after a one-night stand. Despite the accidental pregnancy trope, the story is appreciated for the strong chemistry and connection between the characters, even before their intimate encounter. The story is angsty, with Becka dealing with parental neglect and the complexities of first-time pregnancy while developing feelings for Aaron. The fact that the characters were sober during their night together was a positive aspect for the reader, as it added a layer of authenticity to their relationship.

Novella 2 follows Trish, Aaron’s younger sister, and Cameron, his business partner. Their story embodies the grumpy-sunshine dynamic with an added twist of best friend’s sibling. Trish’s bubbly personality contrasts with Cameron’s gruff demeanor, making their developing relationship enjoyable to watch. Their romance is engaging, with Cameron being the first to realize his feelings for Trish, adding depth to their dynamic.

Both novellas are quick, fun, and spicy reads, making them enjoyable for those who appreciate explicit romance. The first novella sets the stage with a surprise pregnancy that acts as a catalyst for the characters to address their personal issues, while the second novella builds on the relationships introduced, offering a different but equally compelling romantic storyline. Although the endings of both novellas felt a bit rushed due to their brevity, the characters and their relationships were well-crafted, making the stories satisfying overall.

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Review Card & Book Review – It’s Getting Hot In Here By Jane Costello

Lisa Darling – high-flying TV-exec and twice-divorced mother-of-two – has enough on her plate without having to deal with the handsome New Yorker parachuted in to her best friend’s job at work.

She’s already navigating life with a grotty teenage son, organising a PTA cheese & wine event, supporting her oldest friend through breast cancer treatment and, since she hit 47, facing a new perimenopause symptom every day. It’s no wonder she never has time for Pilates or that DIY panelling she keeps seeing on Instagram (though she’d be the first to admit she’d rather share a bottle of wine with her friends any day).

So when Lisa starts feeling overheated every time she clashes with Zach Russo, she convinces herself it will pass. Maybe her HRT just needs adjusting. Until, that is, she finds herself in a sexy – and seriously ill-advised – clinch with him. And then another…

All of which leads to one question: these long-forgotten feelings couldn’t be caused by something else entirely… could they?

About The Author

My Review

This is a romantic comedy story that cleverly balances themes of motherhood, work, and personal challenges with light-hearted humor and relatable characters. The story follows Lisa Darling, a single mother of two, as she navigates the chaos of daily life, including dealing with her teenage son, managing a demanding job at a streaming service, and resisting the charms of her attractive new colleague, Zach Russo. The book touches on topics like menopause, but it isn’t overwhelming, instead focusing more on the ups and downs of Lisa’s life. The writing is witty and engaging, with plenty of subplots and action to keep readers entertained. Overall, it is a joyous and relatable read, with a perfect mix of humor, romance, and real-life challenges.

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Review Card & Book Review – Caribbean Crush By R.S.Grey

Casey Hughes is a struggling travel journalist desperate for a big break when she lands the assignment of a lifetime: hop on board Aurelia for its maiden voyage through paradise. While she’ll bask in the luxury cruise ship’s fine dining and complimentary spa treatments, her real mission is to snag an exclusive interview with Phillip Woodmont.

Casey and the elusive shipping heir have history. Once, they were nothing short of brutal enemies. Though the former brace-faced teen is now a suited-up CEO with devastating good looks, he makes it clear to Casey that he has no interest in forgetting their past.

The volatile grudge between them is as explosive as ever. More than once Casey is tempted to toss Phillip overboard, but for her work, she’ll have to swallow her pride. If it’s an apology he’s after, she’ll serve it up on a silver platter. If he wants her to walk the plank, she’ll salute with an aye, aye, Captain.

Casey can’t let him provoke her. She needs this interview. So if Phillip wants to play dirty, Casey will just have to play dirtier.

About The Author

My Review

Casey, a struggling journalist, finds herself on the maiden voyage of a luxury cruise ship, hoping to secure an interview with its owner, Phillip Woodmont. Years ago, the two had a falling out, and Phillip, now a billionaire with a preference for privacy, still harbors a grudge against her. Despite her desperate circumstances, including the loss of her only relative and mounting debt, Casey is determined to get the interview. Phillip, however, is equally determined to keep her at a distance.

The story thrives on the tension and witty banter between Casey and Phillip, embodying the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. This is a well-crafted romcom that perfectly blends romance and humor, leaving listeners entertained and smiling long after the story ends.

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Review Card & Book Review – Snowflakes Over The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

It’ll be a Christmas to remember …

Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy ending: a beautiful daughter, who’s growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan.

But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own.

She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans.

They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow…?

About The Author

My Review

Evan planned to surprise his girlfriend, Holly, with a proposal she never saw coming. But as they arrived at the beach, they spotted a child venturing dangerously far onto the thin ice. Evan rushed in to save him, but tragically, he didn’t make it. Devastated, Holly decides to cancel Christmas and head to America, where Evan’s family lives. She and her daughter, Hope, leave England and begin a poignant journey of grief and healing. The story vividly captures their struggles, mistakes, and how they come together to face life’s everyday challenges. Despite the sorrow, the book was impossible to put down. Although it’s part of a series, I found it relatable and believe it stands alone, introducing readers to the characters and their journeys as if meeting new friends for the first time.

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas Ever After By Jamie Admans

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open… But there’s one man standing in her way – expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.

Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth Raff continues to exploit. But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn’t know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff’s snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!

As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Franca, an ex-ballet dancer who now runs a nutcracker shop on Ever After Street, where Christmas is celebrated year-round. Her shop’s success is threatened by Raf, who runs a nearby snow globe shop that he inherited from his grandfather. Franca harbors deep resentment toward Raf, blaming him for her parents’ divorce and her difficult childhood. Tensions escalate when the shop owners are told that one of their businesses will have to close, a situation worsened by an accident caused by Raf that injures Franca’s fingers, hindering her ability to work.

Franca, who reinvented herself after a betrayal ended her ballet career, is determined to save her shop by proving that Raf’s snow globes, which are believed to unite soulmates, are a fraud. Despite the slow pacing, the evolving relationship between Franca and Raf, along with the unique focus on nutcrackers and snow globes, adds a refreshing twist to the usual Christmas novel themes. The story also highlights the warmth of Raf’s supportive family, who embrace Franca during her most vulnerable moments. The characters’ complex backstories, shaped by their childhoods, enrich the narrative, making this a heartwarming and engaging read.

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Review Card & Book Review – This Is Not A Holiday Romance By Camilla Isley

Two sworn enemies, snowed in over Christmas with chemistry that will melt the ice!

Nina Thompson has one Christmas wish: to avoid her brother’s obnoxiously handsome best friend, Tristan, like the plague. From the moment he humiliated her as a teenager to their escalating revenge schemes, Nina and Tristan’s relationship can only be defined as an all-out prank war! And there is yet to be a winner.

But it just so happens the ghost of Christmas present has other ideas. When Tristan unexpectedly crashes her family’s Christmas, Nina’s dreams of a peaceful holiday vanish faster than Santa up a chimney. Determined to end their rivalry for good, she braces herself for one last prank-filled showdown.

But when they find themselves snowed in, with no way of avoiding each other amongst the holiday festivities, they discover their heated exchanges have been masking a different kind of sizzle. Caught in a snow globe of holiday romance, they decide to let their fiery chemistry burn bright—but this is absolutely and unequivocally nothing more than a secret fling destined to melt with the snow, this is not a forever romance…

About The Author

My Review

The story revolves around Nina Thompson, who anticipates a quiet Christmas with her family, but her plans are thrown off course when her longtime nemesis, Tristan—her brother’s best friend—is unexpectedly forced to join them due to a canceled flight. With a 15-year history of pranks and insults, their animosity slowly shifts into an undeniable attraction as they spend more time together. As the tension between them intensifies, they are compelled to face their true feelings. Overall, this book is sizzling, easy to read, highly entertaining, and packed with expertly executed favorite tropes.

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