Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Reunited with the Rancher By Anna Grace

Can he win the campaign…
And her love?

Rancher Whitman Benton is determined to protect Outcrop, Oregon, from greedy developers, but if he wants to be seen as a serious candidate for county commissioner, he needs a stable long-term girlfriend. When matchmaker Piper Wallace steps into the role, their sweet rapport becomes headline news—not to mention the memories it brings back of their fiery debates in college. But can a successful fake relationship become a real contender?

About The Author

My Review

This is a captivating romance novel featuring well-developed protagonists, Whitman and Piper, whose journey from quasi-frenemies to lovers feels natural and satisfying. Despite incorporating popular tropes like fake engagement, the plot is skillfully crafted, allowing the romance to shine through authentically. While part of a series, the book stands well on its own, showcasing the author’s strong writing and humorous dialogue. Although some may find the abundance of secondary characters distracting, the overarching theme of overcoming past hurts and embracing a brighter future resonates throughout the story.

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Harlequin

Review Card & Book Review – One in a Million By Janet Dailey

Frank Culhane may be the wealthy patriarch of one of Texas’ most prestigious families, but his party girl daughter, Jasmine, is only interested in the money the ranch brings in—and the cowboys. Until the day she heads to the stables in search of their hot horse trainer and instead discovers her daddy’s body in their prize stallion’s box stall.

Roper’s rodeo career was cut short by an injury. Now, he’s hungry to compete in reining events, like the prized forthcoming Run for a Million. In the meantime, until his family can afford their own breeding business, he’s got to work for the rich ranchers who snub them—including the Culhanes. But when an autopsy reveals Frank was murdered, Roper lands on the list of possible suspects.

A city outsider, Detective Sam Rafferty’s investigation propels him into a tangle of simmering rivalries. For the ranch is now in the hands of an explosive partnership: Frank’s young, glamourous second wife, Lila, and his scorned first wife, Madeline. Lila has a genuine passion for ranching. Madeline is determined to destroy her.

Through Sam’s interviews, more tensions surface—there are Madeline’s grown children who’ve been bypassed for control of the ranch, the socially dismissed McKennas, and the breeders, politicians, and gangsters ready to profit from Frank’s death. But tricky alliances are also brewing. While Lila and Roper clash, they discover a fire beneath their sparring. And with a killer still at large, the heat between Jasmine and Sam could put the case, and all their futures, on the line . . .

About The Author

My Review

Frank Culhane, a prominent Texas rancher, is found murdered in a horse stall, sparking an investigation led by Detective Sam Rafferty. Suspects include Frank’s second wife, Lila, and his first wife, Madeline, who is determined to remove Lila from the ranch. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and motives come to light, leading to unexpected twists in this romantic suspense novel by Janet Dailey.

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Review Card & Book Review – Trouble in Paradise By Portia MacIntosh

Lara and Sonny are sworn enemies.

As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.

So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse – except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in…

Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?

About The Author

My Review

This book is a delightful romantic comedy following two rival showbiz journalists who must pretend to be a couple at an exclusive resort. The fake relationship trope, coupled with the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, adds to the charm of the story. As Lara and Sonny navigate their pretend relationship, they encounter humorous situations and quirky couples at the resort, making for an entertaining read. Despite some tropes, the premise is original, and the characters are well-crafted, feeling authentic and relatable. While the frequent use of the word “insist” can be grating, the overall experience is enjoyable, perfect for fans of light-hearted romantic comedies with a happy ending.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Allotment on Willow Tree Lane By Lilac Mills

When a local meadow is turned into a bee-friendly allotment, will romance also blossom?

New teacher Ceri has enough on her plate trying to keep her class in line and get them excited for her Foxmore wildlife efforts. Then she meets the mysterious – and occasionally grumpy – Damon, whose orchard she’d like to explore.

Rock star Damon has moved to Foxmore to escape the hounding paparazzi following the tragic death of his bandmate. Relocating to somewhere quiet and isolated is just what he needs to recover. Ceri is a ray of sunshine, but he’s not ready to share his dark secrets with her.

As love blooms, will Damon’s hidden past get in the way of their happiness? And can he bring himself to give up his music for love?

About The Author

My Review

This book is a delightful and engaging addition to the Foxmore series. The narrative flows effortlessly, providing a pleasant and undemanding reading experience. While potentially marking the end of the series, it introduces fresh energy with the introduction of Hew’s sister, Ceri. Damon’s character development is a notable highlight, adding complexity beyond the typical romantic narrative. Overall, it’s a testament to Mills’ storytelling prowess, offering well-developed characters and a perfect blend of familiarity and novelty.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Playboy By Marni Mann

Spade. People know what to expect when they hear my last name.

Billionaire. Alphahole. The forever bachelor. Heir to Spade Hotels, one of the most luxurious brands in the world.

Want to know what they would never call me?

Boyfriend.

Until her.

With one glance at her in the club, I’m ready to claim her for the night.

Dark, flowing hair. A smile that causes my heart to pound. Eyes that pierce my soul. And a perfect body that makes every part of me pulse.

She’s addictive. Electrifying. Consuming.

I’ve never wanted anyone more.

Our eyes meet, but she looks right past me. She isn’t here for me. She’s here for the music.

For the first time in my life, a woman makes me work for it. Her indifference fuels the fire inside me.

The result? One night. No names. No introductions. Just pleasure.

The way I’ve always liked it.

But now, I find myself fantasizing about this gorgeous stranger, and I swear I can still feel the softness of her skin and taste her on my lips.

The minute I saw her, a switch flipped inside me. Now, how do I stop this raging…obsession?

When our paths cross again in the most unexpected way, I’m on a mission to make her mine. But what happens when she wants nothing to do with me?

About The Author

My Review

The Playboy” by Marni Mann kicks off the Spade Hotel series with a tantalizing blend of billionaire dazzle, immediate spark attraction, and seductive storytelling. Brooklyn and Macon, despite their opposite personalities, share undeniable chemistry that leads to a passionate connection. While Macon evolves from a stereotypical playboy to a devoted partner, Brooklyn remains stoic and cautious, resisting the growing bond between them. Their journey is filled with steamy encounters, emotional barriers, and a push-pull dynamic that keeps readers engaged. With a mix of instalust and substantial romance, along with sizzling spice and lower angst conflict, Mann delivers another mesmerizing read for fans of the reformed playboy trope.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Breath of Fresh Air By Jessica Redland

Rosie feels like there’s something missing in her life.

She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District. But she can’t help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. What if her father had been around to help care for her mother? And what if she’d found someone special herself?

When Hubert Cranleigh – the owner of Willowdale Hall – is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. Especially when they have a history.

Rosie’s life is about to be turned upside down, but with the New Year comes new opportunities. What Rosie feels is missing from her life might be closer than she thinks, and with more significant consequences than she could ever have imagined…

About The Author

My Review

Rosie finds support and friendship in her former penfriend Autumn and her close relationship with her mother, living on the Willowdale estate after a traumatic event. When Hubert Cranleigh’s son Oliver returns, old wounds resurface from their childhood friendship. As secrets unravel and uncertainties about the future loom, the story seamlessly weaves between past and present, exploring themes of friendship, family, and emotional growth. The vivid setting of the Lakes adds depth to the narrative, while the characters, including the warm support of Autumn and the tentative reconciliation with Oliver, are beautifully developed. With her signature warmth and storytelling prowess, the author delivers a captivating read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

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Review Card & Book Review – Baby, One More Time By Camilla Isley

Driven and smart, Marissa Mayer has worked her way to COO at a major Fintech startup as well as launching her own successful app on the side. Now what she wants more than anything is a baby. And having given up on love after her heart was broken by the boy next door, she’s prepared to do it alone.

Recently returning to New York from LA, Dr John Raikes is an expert in his field of neonatal medicine. But when John introduces himself as Marissa’s doctor, sparks fly, and not in a good way. Because Dr John Raikes is no stranger: he’s her teenage sweetheart all grown up.

Marissa knows she should keep John at arm’s length, lest she have her heart broken again… But there’s something about a man in a white coat. And with John determined to show Marissa he’s changed, can she keep saying no when her heart is saying yes?

About The Author

My Review

This book is a captivating second installment in the True Love series, following Marissa Mayer’s journey to motherhood through IVF and unexpected reconnection with her high school sweetheart, Dr. John Raikes. With likeable characters, overlapping stories, and plenty of drama, the book seamlessly blends elements of second chance romance and enemies-to-lovers tropes. Marissa’s struggles with trust and John’s desire for redemption add depth to their evolving relationship, while touching moments and humor balance out the storyline. The inclusion of multiple POVs enhances the reader’s connection to both protagonists. Set against themes of IVF, second chances, family, and friendship, this heartwarming novel is a gripping and well-written addition to the romance genre.

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Review Card & Book Review – Stand Up Guy By Nina Kaye

Dumped by Instagram post. Not a whiff of a social life. Can it get any worse?

After a string of failed relationships – romantic and platonic – Lea’s had enough of watching life happen without her. When she bumps into Shep, a comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in need of accommodation, it feels like destiny. And voilá – Lea now has a lodger and some company.

The two get on like a flat on fire, and Lea can’t resist falling for outgoing Shep. But she knows it’s a mistake that will cost her heart – he’s just another guy passing through, after all. And with Shep’s stand up routine edging him closer to his big break, there’s no way he’ll stick around.

Love is no laughing matter as the Fringe draws to a close. Can Lea find the confidence to step up and confess her feelings to Shep? Will he want to stay?

About The About

My Review

Stand Up Guy” by Nina Kaye is more than just a romance; it’s a comforting embrace, portraying the messy yet beautiful reality of womanhood through the eyes of relatable protagonist, Lea. The story unfolds with genuine warmth, capturing life’s quirks without overblown drama. The connection between Lea and Shep, a stand-up comedian, is portrayed with sweet simplicity against the vibrant backdrop of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With humor, authenticity, and heartfelt moments, this book is a delightful retreat into the warmth of a good story, leaving readers with a contented sigh and a lasting afterglow.

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