Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Exposed By Leslie North

Undercover desire…

On leave while recovering from a bullet wound, Navy SEAL Eric Harvey is going stir-crazy. So when a buddy asks him to help his journalist sister go undercover to expose crimes at a couples retreat, Eric is all in. But he’s about to get more excitement than he bargained for. Beth, the journalist, is smoking hot and completely irresistible.

Beth Williams is desperate. She needs a fake husband fast. She’ll even take Eric, a Navy SEAL like her big brother. But she won’t allow anything to come between her and her career… Not even the smoldering attraction growing between her and Eric.

Right from the start, it’s clear that something is very wrong at this resort. As the danger mounts, Eric realizes that both his life and his heart are at risk. Beth has made it clear that when she’s done with her story, she’ll be done with Eric too.

About The Author

My Review

Beth Williams, an investigative journalist, is determined to uncover the truth behind the expensive counseling trips held on a Florida island owned by LoveFix Couples’ Retreats. She suspects the head of the retreat’s parent company, Robert Hart, of having questionable credentials. To pursue the story, she needs a fake husband, and when her planned partner falls through, Eric Harvey, a SEAL on medical leave, steps in. As they investigate, they discover danger lurking at the retreat and find themselves drawn to each other, despite the potential consequences.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the story, where the protagonist fakes a relationship to investigate a dubious couples retreat. I was relieved when her initial plan fell through, leading her to ask Eric to accompany her. His protective demeanor added an appealing layer of intensity, heightening the forbidden attraction between them. The tension kept me eagerly anticipating their eventual union. The steamy scenes were well-executed without being excessive. However, I found the female main character’s indecisiveness regarding her feelings for Eric occasionally frustrating. Overall, the book offered a good balance of suspense and romance.

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Review Card & Book Review – Winter Wonderland Romance By Shanna Hatfield

She never wanted to return to her hometown.
He needed an escape from his family.
When a chance meeting brings them together, will their attraction keep them from drifting apart?

Doctor Olivia Burton never intended to return to her hometown of Pinehill. After graduating high school, she set off on a new path, eager to leave her past behind. However, years later, an unexpected phone call from her mentor pulls her back to Pinehill to take over a thriving medical practice as the town’s primary physician. Determined to avoid the local gossip mill, Olivia attempts to keep a low profile as she settles back into the community.

Alex Adams is desperate for an escape from his well-meaning but suffocating family. After a life-altering explosion ended his military career, he finds himself plagued with post-traumatic stress disorder. Surrounded by his loud and overbearing family only intensifies his struggles. Seeking respite, he retreats to his aunt’s mountain cabin in Pinehill, desperate for peace and quiet.

When a chance encounter brings Alex and Olivia together, the sparks begin to fly. Olivia, cautious and hesitant to let anyone into her guarded heart, begins to question if it’s time to leave her past behind and embrace the possibility of a winter wonderland romance. Alex, yearning for connection and understanding, finds himself drawn to Olivia’s warmth and kindness.

As they spend more time together, will Olivia and Alex discover that love, much like freshly fallen snow, has a way of blanketing everything in a layer of beauty?

Uncover the joys that come with new beginnings, the transformative power of love, and the magic that can be found in the simplest moments in this sweet, wholesome, and tender romance.

About The Author

My Review

Alex, a wounded warrior, seeks solace at his family’s cabin in PineHill to escape his mental scars. Alongside his loyal dog, Dude, he finds unexpected companionship with Olivia, a career-focused doctor who has sworn off love. As they navigate their own struggles, their friendship blossoms into something more, despite their initial reluctance. “Winter Wonderland Romance” by Shanna Hatfield is a heartwarming winter tale that delves into healing, love, and the importance of support, featuring beloved characters from the Winter Wishes Series

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Review Card & Book Review – Secrets and Sunshine by the Sunflower Cliffs By Georgina Troy

When shoe designer Paige Bingham is jilted she decides to enjoy her honeymoon-for-one in Sorrento. What she doesn’t expect is to meet a mysterious entrepreneur, Sebastian Fielding, when she gets there. He helps ease the sting of rejection as he introduces her to the ancient sites he knows and loves.

Unfortunately, soon after Paige returns to her island home in Jersey, she discovers that not only is Sebastian’s company taking over the struggling store where her business is based, but that her concession is probably surplus to his requirements.

How can Paige stop her fledgling business from going under? And what can she do to fight the gossip now that the paparazzi have published their untruths about their romance?

About The Author

My Review

Paige opts for Sorrento as her honeymoon destination following a breakup with her fiance. There, she meets Sebastian, who offers to guide her around the island. Upon returning home to Jersey, she discovers Sebastian’s involvement in a company taking over the store where she has a concession, putting her shop at risk. As a man working at M&S, the realm of designer shoes is unfamiliar to me, but I admire those who build businesses from their passions. Sebastian appears more complex than a mere hard-nosed businessman, harboring hidden secrets. Their tumultuous relationship makes for a compelling beach read, where you’ll find yourself wanting to knock some sense into the main characters.

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Review Card & Book Review – Hesi-Dating By Zoe Forward

I warn all my dates: Don’t fall for me.
I’m good for a date or two of no-strings fun, but then I’m a ghost.

Until the sheriff. He saves me from a jerky ex-date. Now I owe him a favor. Almost a decade older than me, funny, and insanely attractive, my chemistry with Seth is off the charts. His post-divorce hurt makes me want to heal his wounded soul. For the first time in ever, I say no. He doesn’t deserve my heartbreaking ways. I tell myself I must walk away since me dating law enforcement is a no-can-do. I’m not a felon, but I do have connections from my past that make it dangerous. If I’m truthful, it’s self-preservation. Seth threatens to awaken the desiccated organ inside my chest.

Then he needs a favor.
Calling in favors becomes our not-dating game.

I should have stopped helping him. I should have left well enough alone. But I just couldn’t resist. I have a connection to this guy. One that has me acting irrationally. One that snags the attention of the gang leader I wished would leave me alone.

I want to nurture our burgeoning spark, but I must protect us from the deadly dangers of my past.

About The Author

My Review

Jolie is surprised to find her blind date is the attractive older sheriff of San Diego, Seth. Despite her dark past and ties to a gang leader, she’s drawn to him. Seth can’t shake his feelings for Jolie, despite her reluctance to date him. As they’re repeatedly thrown together, Jolie must decide whether to risk Seth’s safety by staying with him. The book is praised for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and suspenseful twists, but it contains triggers such as kidnapping, rape, and violence. Despite some explicit scenes, the romantic suspense aspect is highlighted and complemented by the presence of other characters from related books by the same author.

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Review Card & Book Review – Work It Out By Eva Siedler

With the lead role in a huge action film up for grabs, actor Jake Newman has ninety days to get in shape. How does a man grow abs without the tabloids watching his every move? By sneaking off to a high-end health resort in his Arizona hometown to supersize his biceps…Thor style. Oh, and hope no one discovers the real reason he bailed from Los Angeles—or the teeny little health issue he’s hoping to keep from everyone.

Especially his cute, sunshiny, and absolute hard-ass new trainer.

Former gymnast Rayah Summers has poured everything she has into her desert dream: a full-service resort that helps people transform their bodies and lifestyles. But a run of bad luck has her on the brink of bankruptcy —and the Hollywood hunk with insanely sexy dimples is all that’s standing between her and disaster.

Now everything depends on her success: her future, her roof over her head, and especially her trainers—who are more family than employees. Rayah can’t afford for anything to go wrong… and no one’s able to explain why Jake Newman keeps collapsing during even the lightest workouts.

Now it’s a balance beam nightmare, with Rayah trying to keep her business afloat—all while managing her staff’s drama, keeping her celebrity client a secret, and not falling for him or his devilishly sexy grin. And it’s just a matter of time before Jake’s secrets threaten not only her dreams, but the chosen family she’s found…

About The Author

My Review

“Work it Out” is a charming small-town romance featuring Jake, a famous actor, and Rayah, a former gymnast. The book captivates with its engaging characters and subtle handling of sensitive issues. While the initial chapters draw readers in with compelling characters and writing style, the story later loses momentum. Nevertheless, the chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and their vulnerability and trust add depth to the narrative. The representation of Jake’s disability, POTS, is commendable, providing valuable insight into his struggles. Although the narration’s flow could be improved, the author’s writing style and humor shine through. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the book is an enjoyable read, and readers will likely anticipate more from the author.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Last Days of You and Me By Debbie Howells

They didn’t know – when Winter gave way to Spring that year – that their lives were all about to change…

Marnie didn’t realise – when she stormed into a bookshop one day, demanding a self-help book – that she was about to make a new best friend.

Bookshop-owner Rae didn’t know she had been living like a shadow since her parents died. But then Marnie exploded into her life. And suddenly she realised things had to change… more so when she meets handsome nurse, Jack.

And when Forrest’s life is turned upside down by a fatal car crash, he knew he was being given a second chance, but didn’t know why. He thinks Marnie might just be the woman he’s destined to be with. But – as she discovers that she has an illness she may never recover from – what if it’s too late for them?

Can it ever be too late though? To make friendships that change everything. To grow, to change, to start again. Even – for two unlikely new best friends to find love at last…?

About The Author

My Review

This poignant story follows four young individuals—Marnie, Rae, Jack, and Forrest—who navigate life after experiencing loss. Each character is intricately crafted, and their alternating perspectives create a captivating narrative as their lives intertwine. Despite the theme of death, the book is ultimately life-affirming, emphasizing the enduring power of love, friendship, and belonging. Debbie Howells skillfully weaves a plot that explores the connections between people, leaving readers emotionally charged and empowered. The story lingers long after finishing, prompting reflection and a desire to revisit its resonant passages.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Last Stars in the Sky By Kate Hewitt

“Mom, why are you so mad at Dad?”

“I’m not,” I say, which isn’t exactly true. Putting on a brave face for my two young daughters—pretending everything is fine in my marriage—has been hard. That, and losing the house after Daniel lied to me.

I never expected to have to uproot my family to go live in my parents’ isolated cottage on Lost Lake. It’s twenty miles to the nearest town, an insignificant speck in endless pine forests. Nobody’s lived here for a decade.

Now, I pick up a rusty pail from its nest of autumn leaves and turn to my daughter. Suddenly, I recall how I used to help my own mother pick wild strawberries up here as a little girl. Maybe, this isn’t a punishment. Maybe this place will be the making of our family.

I’m still thinking it when my daughter rests her silky head on my shoulder that evening in the flickering firelight. And when, over a steaming cup of coffee at dawn, I watch a single loon cut a course through the mirrored surface of Lost Lake.

Later, I’ll hold on to these memories—ghostly shreds of another life. Because just eight hours after I sat on that sofa, feeling so hopeful, the world as I knew it—as anyone knew it—was gone for good.

About The Author

My Review

“The Last Stars in the Sky” by Kate Hewitt is a surprising family drama that delves into survival and transformation. As a catastrophic event forces the characters to adapt to a new reality, they undergo profound changes and learn to prioritize survival over their former comforts. The complexity of the characters, particularly Alex and Kerry, is well-developed as they navigate fear, adversity, and the need for constant resilience. Daniel’s harrowing journey to rescue their son adds tension to the narrative, and the suspenseful atmosphere keeps the reader engaged. While the cliffhanger ending leaves some questions unanswered, the overall realism and frightening portrayal of disaster make this a gripping and memorable read, highly recommended for those who enjoy suspenseful dramas.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Bump in Their Forbidden Reunion By Amanda Cinelli

She’s totally forbidden…
and scandalously pregnant!

This New Year, Izzy O’Sullivan has one resolution: to conceive her late husband’s baby. Her plans are derailed when Grayson Koh crashes her fertility appointment to tell her that won’t be possible…

If desiring Izzy from afar was torturous for former racing car driver Grayson, then having to reveal his best friend’s deception is unbearable. Yet having her this close again unlocks something primal in Grayson… And knowing Izzy feels it too compels the cynical billionaire to make a scandalous offer: whisk her to Singapore and give her the family she wants!

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Izzy, a widow desperate for a baby, who discovers that if she had undergone IVF as planned, she would’ve had her late husband’s best friend Grayson’s child instead. As they are snowed in together, secrets unravel, and they must decide their future. Despite the delayed appearance of the baby, the book explores the deep connection between Izzy and Grayson as they navigate their past and present feelings. Ultimately, it highlights the unpredictability of life and the power of love to overcome obstacles.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Girl She Left Behind By Jo Bartlett

A family in turmoil…

Phoebe Spencer left home a long time ago, desperate to get away from her mother’s emotional manipulation. She knows her life is better away from her family, but she can’t help feeling she’s simply running away from her problems…

Then Phoebe hears that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared, leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Darcy. Phoebe’s certain Lucy will be back soon – she’d never leave Darcy alone – and then Phoebe can get on with her life again.

But as the days pass there’s still no sign of Lucy, and everyone begins to fear the worst. Phoebe has to consider the terrible truth that Lucy might never come home. And as their mother makes it clear she wants to take control of Darcy’s life, Phoebe must do all she can to protect the girl her sister left behind – no matter the cost to her.

About The Author

My Review

The book is a powerful story with darker themes than expected, delving into the legacy of a difficult childhood and emotional impact rather than fast-paced action. Phoebe returns home to care for her niece Darcy after her sister Lucy disappears, escaping their manipulative mother’s influence. Secrets unravel about the sisters’ traumatic past, bringing tears to the reader. Phoebe’s bond with Darcy and budding romance with Jamie provide hope amidst the turmoil. The characters are deeply realistic, and the writing is emotionally captivating, making it an unforgettable read with a strong recommendation.

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