Category Archives: Book Review

Happy Publication Day – 22 January 2025

A Forever Home At Honey Bee Croft By Jessica Redland

New friends, new life, new love…
Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change. Joel has given everything to Imogen, and he doesn’t regret it, but maybe he’s lost himself along the way…
Since her dad’s heart-breaking dementia diagnosis, Poppy Wells has been struggling and desperately needs a break. An opportunity to stay in gorgeous Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds and a stone’s throw away from Bumblebee Barn couldn’t be more perfect. Finally able to breathe, Poppy begins to see a new life ahead, a place where she can heal her broken heart and be part of something special. But can she ever leave her beloved dad to get the happiness she craves?
When Poppy and Joel meet there’s an instant connection. But with both of them at a crossroads, a future together seems impossible. Can they find the strength to overcome their challenges to secure their forever home together?

Review Card & Book Review – Rescuing Carolyn By Leslie North

No amount of SEAL training could prepare me for the sight of Carolyn Evert, the only woman I’ve ever loved, being held hostage in her jewelry store. My heart stopped.

Thankfully, she’s alright.

Not that I should give a damn. After all, she dumped me ages ago because she couldn’t handle the heat of being engaged to a Navy SEAL.

Carolyn is the reason I vanished into the shadowy world of Black Ops. Dodging bullets left no time for heartbreak.

And she’s done just fine without me. She’s running a successful store and raising a son…my son. A child I never even knew existed!

I’ve never felt so torn.

I want to be there for my little boy. Which means being part of Carolyn’s life, too. But I can’t risk falling for her again. My heart’s taken enough hits.

Then, when it becomes clear the hostage situation wasn’t a one-off, my protective instincts kick into overdrive. No one threatens my family and gets away with it.

With everything going sideways fast, I realize I never stopped loving Carolyn. I just hope it’s not too late for a second chance…

About The Author

My Review

Carolyn and Zach, former fiancés separated by Zach’s Navy Seal duties, reunite when her jewelry store is robbed. Zach, now a SWAT team member, discovers Carolyn and their son, whom he didn’t know about, during the heist. As they confront their past and present, they work to rebuild trust and explore the unresolved feelings between them. The book starts with the heist, revealing Zach as a sniper who recognizes Carolyn and their child. After the robbery, Zach delves into the troubles plaguing Carolyn and her store, leading to intense discussions about their past and future.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – So Not My Romantic Getaway By Evie Sterling

I am stuck at a Hawaiian resort with my rival coworker…He’s terrible to work with but way too good at playing fake-boyfriend.

When I won a week-long trip to Hawaii for being a star employee, I did one of those happy dances at my desk. I immediately ordered a cute bikini, a floppy beach hat, and new sandals. Then I arrived and discovered my good luck wasn’t all good.

Yes, I won the trip… but so did my nemesis.

Jack Morgan is impossible to work with: Stubborn, cocky, and too charming for his own good. We have a long history of contentious emails behind us, and the fact that we’re up for the same promotion doesn’t help matters.

I blame the fruity cocktail from the poolside bar for that scheming session we had in the hot tub.

Our plan to take happy-couple photos to cheer up my mom and earn him some respect points with his ex seemed like a great idea…

Then again, that could have been the rum talking.

Because, really, posing cheek-to-cheek with Jack is more trouble than I’m prepared to deal with.

His perfectly crooked smile, sea-tossed hair, and deliciously manly smell make me swoon. Worse? He’s a lot sweeter in person than over email. He’s outgoing and can draw me out of my shell. We’re different, but we get each other in a way I never expected. Now, we’re bonding over stolen kisses, surf sessions, and our love of sea turtles.

This vacation is starting to feel romantic, like one of those fairytales where the princess meets her prince. Or, I could be building castles in the sand…

About The Author

My Review

Hazel and Jack, rivals vying for the same promotion, both win a week-long trip to Hawaii from their workplace. Hazel is an introvert who values efficiency and perfection, while Jack is outgoing and focuses on relationship-building and creative solutions. Despite never meeting in person and detesting each other through their email exchanges, they find themselves in an unexpected situation when Hazel’s ad for a fake boyfriend to ease pressure from her mother is answered by Jack. Their initial chemistry leads to a complicated but sweet romance set against the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii. Their connection over animals and mutual growth, along with numerous swoony moments, makes for a compelling summer read. The story is filled with holiday vibes, humor, and a heartwarming happily ever after, featuring the delightful inclusion of Chester the sea turtle.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – A Perfect Story By Elisabet Benavent

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.

About The Author

My Review

“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.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Once Upon A Time In Venice By Carol Kirkwood

Can one magical city change their destiny?

Welcome to Venice, the fairytale city, where canals flow into hidden shadows and forbidden secrets whisper behind the masks…

The masked stranger

When Gina Bellini meets an enigmatic figure at the Venice carnival, their chemistry is unforgettable, before he vanishes into the night.

The Hollywood legend

Personal assistant, Issy Roberts is on location with Tinseltown’s biggest star. Will he discover her shocking lies?

The ultimate diva

Opera sensation Lucia De Santis has the world at her feet. How far will she go to get what she wants?

About The Author

My Review

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.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Stranded And Seduced By Emmy Grayson

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?

About The Author

My Review

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.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The One That I Want By Sandy Barker

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?

About The Author

My Review

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.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – A Found Family At The Cornish Country Hospital By Jo Bartlett

A tragic loss…

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.

About The Author

My Review

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.

My Rating

Link To Purchase