Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Shout Out To My Ex By Sandy Barker

Fashion designer Elle Bliss is unlucky in love.

She’s still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.

But Elle’s all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.

An up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.

But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of ‘Lorenzo’ is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…

About The Author

My Review

The Ever After Agency is an exclusive dating agency operating at the top end of the market, known for its secrecy and professionalism. In this installment, the focus is on Cassie, who enlists the agency’s help to reunite her sister Elle with her first love, Leo. Set against the backdrop of Paris Fashion Week, the story delves into themes of love, betrayal, and sisterhood, with well-developed characters and intricate relationships. The author skillfully captures the glamour and chaos of the fashion world while weaving a compelling narrative of romance and friendship. With engaging characters and a satisfying conclusion, it’s a recommended read for fans of heartwarming stories.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Love Interest By Victoria Walters

No man can be as good as the one in your imagination…

Librarian Liv Jones has always dreamed of writing a romance novel. But she’s stuck when it comes to creating a romantic hero – sadly – lacking anyone in real life to base him on.

When her brother suggests his best friend stay in their shared flat for a few weeks, she can’t believe her bad luck. Aiden Rivers is irritating and pushes all her buttons. Worst of all, he’s gorgeous, has a sexy accent and reminds her of her all-time favourite character Mr Darcy.

Liv finds herself unexpectedly inspired and the leading man in her novel begins to bear an uncanny resemblance to Aiden. He can never find out though: she’d never live it down. Because Aiden can only ever be her love interest in the pages of her book – and definitely not in real life… right?!

About The Author

My Review

Liv, an aspiring romance writer, finds herself living with her brother in London, where she works part-time at a university library. When her nemesis, Aiden, her brother’s best friend, also joins the university and moves in with them, their love-hate relationship takes center stage. As Liv writes her own romance novel, she realizes she might be living her own love story. Despite a slow start and initial disbelief in their animosity, the novel becomes captivating with its mix of romantic tropes like kissing in the rain and steamy library scenes. What sets it apart is its metafictional aspect of a novel within a novel, which adds depth to the story. Liv and Aiden’s miscommunication drives the plot as they navigate their feelings while working and living together. The characters are relatable, portraying the complexity of hiding true feelings behind anger and indifference. The book also emphasizes the importance of seeing different perspectives and understanding there’s more to every story.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Year That Changed Us By Helen Rolfe

As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise’s own family was distant and disengaged, Emma’s was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.

Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she’ll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?

About The Author

My Review

This captivating book delves into the complexities of female friendship, exploring the strong bonds that tie Emma and Liese together and the challenges they face. Growing up in contrasting households, their vow to prioritize their friendship over everything is tested when they spend a transformative year in Paris. The dual timeline and alternating perspectives add depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged as secrets unravel and tensions rise. With compelling storytelling and believable characters, the book skillfully navigates themes of loyalty, betrayal, and reconciliation. Overall, it’s a heartfelt and moving exploration of female relationships that readers won’t soon forget.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – It’s Complicated By Camilla Isley

Lori has been in love with her best friend Aiden since college. Now Aiden (handsome, fair, All-American dream doctor) is getting married, and Lori desperately needs a date to the wedding.

So she asks the best man, Jace (tall, dark, and brooding), to pretend their platonic friendship is something more not to have to face the worst day of her life alone.

Fake dating one best friend to forget the other should be easy… Plot twist—it’s not. When Jace starts acting like the sweetest, most attentive boyfriend, Lori begins to wonder if she’s been seeing him wrong all this time?

They’ve been an inseparable trio since freshman year, but now everything is changing — and that’s not even bringing Jace’s feelings into the mix.

Basically? It’s complicated.

About The Author

My Review

This book follows three best friends, Lori, Jace, and Aiden, entangled in a web of secret crushes and fake dating schemes. As Jace pretends to be Lori’s date for Aiden’s wedding, their faux romance sparks real feelings, complicating their dynamic. The book revolves around three friends navigating through the complexities of love and friendship, with two secret crushes in the mix. The characters are well-developed, mature, and communicate effectively, which adds depth to their relationships. Despite some minor issues with repetitive language, the book offers a refreshing take on the friends-to-lovers trope, delivering a heartwarming and entertaining read. Nonetheless, fans of friends-to-lovers and fake dating tropes will enjoy this delightful read.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Photographs from the Cove By Jennifer Bardsley

The old cinema sits proud—but neglected—on the cove’s sun-bleached main street. Mary is determined to bring it back to its former glory, but when she discovers a crumbling photo album inside, one picture will change everything…

Mary Turner’s hopes of a happy life in beautiful Sand Dollar Cove come crashing down when her boyfriend leaves her. After her mother walked out when she was just a child, Aiden’s betrayal destroys the last shred of belief in love that Mary’s been clinging on to.

When the cove’s newest resident Steven Clarke hires her to renovate the town’s historic movie theater, Mary is scared of failing. But she dreams of bringing the fading theater back to its 1960s glamor. Plus, the more she works with the elusive Steven, the more she comes to like him and his striking good looks—against her better judgement…

As Mary’s confidence grows, her heart starts to reopen to the possibility of love. But then, hidden in the cinema’s storage room, Mary discovers a mysterious photo album containing pictures of a little girl who looks just like her. She can’t believe her eyes. How is Mary connected to this album and the cinema? And will the answers help to heal her broken heart?

Mary is willing to risk everything to learn the truth. But when she uncovers a secret that casts a shadow on her family, on Steven, and on Sand Dollar Cove, will the past haunt her forever? Or will she choose to believe in love and finally claim her happy ending?

About The Author

My Review

Mary Turner’s dreams of a perfect life in Sand Dollar Cove are shattered when her boyfriend returns married. Determined to stay and find true love, she embarks on renovating the town’s historic movie theater. A discovery of an old photo album leads her on a journey to uncover family secrets and her true identity. The well-developed characters and captivating storyline make it an irresistible read, filled with heartwarming moments and coastal charm. It’s a tale of self-discovery, love, and overcoming past hurts, with Mary’s journey at its center. A beautifully written, lighthearted read that comes highly recommended.

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Review Card & Book Review – One Month to Tame the Surgeon By Carol Marinelli

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY…

Nurse Pippa Westford is shocked when charismatic surgeon—and her secret teenage crush—Luke Harris starts working at her hospital. The distraction he unknowingly provided back then helped Pippa survive the tragic loss of her sister, except now he doesn’t even recognize her. Yet their chemistry ignites instantly, and is completely inescapable! But Luke is only in London for a month, unless Pippa can tame the man who’s barricaded his emotions for so long…

About The Author

My Review

The book follows Pippa and Luke, two individuals with guarded hearts due to their pasts. Pippa finds solace in a brief encounter with Luke during her teenage years, but they reunite years later when Luke becomes a temporary trauma surgeon at her hospital. Despite rumors surrounding Luke’s past, they are drawn to each other, leading to a month-long fling. As they grow closer, they confront their emotional barriers and past traumas. The narrative also explores a medical case that impacts their perspectives on life and love. Ultimately, they must decide if they can let down their walls and embrace the possibility of a future together.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Cinderella in the Spotlight by Sophie Pembroke

HIDING FROM THE WORLD…IN PLAIN SIGHT!  

Rowan’s dismayed when her identical twin begs her to temporarily step into her New York life. Willow’s a famous supermodel, and Rowan is…not. If that isn’t complicated enough, incredibly charming tycoon Eli needs a famous face for his charity gala…and Rowan’s the top choice! She should refuse, but Eli’s way too tempting. However, if this Cinderella’s not careful, she’ll find herself in the spotlight, unmasked—and completely undone…

About The Author

My Review

Rowan, a former model turned designer, reluctantly agrees to impersonate her supermodel twin sister, Willow, in New York after Willow’s unexpected pregnancy. In the city, she meets Eli, Ben’s brother, who mistakes her for Willow. Despite initial complications, Rowan and Eli’s relationship blossoms as they bond over shared interests and confront their pasts. As they navigate their feelings, Rowan questions her identity and Eli grapples with family expectations. Ultimately, they find strength in facing their fears and embracing their true selves, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Pilot’s Secret By Allison Leigh

Sometimes the path to love isn’t a direct flight.

Everywhere she turns, nurse Sophie Lane seems to bump into pilot Meyer Cartell. And now he’s moving in next door! Handsome and always charming, Meyer is hard to resist. That’s probably how her sister felt when he cruelly betrayed her years ago. Sophie’s heart may have wings for Meyer, but her head stubbornly refuses to clear it for takeoff. 

After his best friend’s plane crashed, Meyer gave up his flying career to ensure the welfare of his widowed best friend and two children. Meyer struggles with his guilt over the crash—and with Sophie’s perplexing grudge. It’s time to get to know his new neighbor. Maybe with the right flight plan, he can clear the runway for happily-ever-after… 

About The Author

My Review

Meyer, the oldest of four half-siblings, inherits a beach house under unusual terms from their famous but absent father. Sophie, a nurse, harbors resentment towards Meyer for his past relationship with her sister, Corinne. When Meyer and Sophie are tasked with caring for Meredith’s children, they reluctantly find themselves drawn to each other despite their complicated pasts. As secrets and misunderstandings come to light, they confront their pasts to move forward. Family dynamics play a significant role, with Meyer’s siblings, Sophie’s concerns for Corinne, and Meredith’s second chance at love adding depth to the story. The ending delivers a satisfying resolution, with Meyer’s surprise for Sophie in the epilogue.

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Review Card & Book Review- Cinderella’s One-Night Baby By Michelle Smart

One night in his world…
One life-changing surprise!

Tycoon Andrés Morato needs a date for a royal party. Having already arrived at the kingdom’s border, the only woman around is straitlaced guard Gabrielle! He charms her into accepting his invitation, but her heart-stopping transformation has him questioning his judgment…

A glamorous evening at the palace with Andrés? Irresistible! Even if Gabrielle knows this one encounter is all the guarded Spaniard will allow himself. Yet, when the chemistry simmering between them erupts into mind-blowing passion, the nine-month consequence will tie her and Andrés together forever…

About The Author

My Review

This book depicts an instantaneous romance between a wealthy man and a struggling single mother. Andrés, en route to a ball, encounters guard Gabrielle, who steps in as his date after his sister cancels. Despite their differing backgrounds, Andrés and Gabrielle share a passionate night, leading to unexpected consequences. Both must rebuild trust and confront their pasts to embrace love once more. The story, enriched by engaging supporting characters, delivers a sizzling yet tender romance, complete with beloved tropes and a naturally evolving relationship. The protagonists are particularly compelling, and the writing is notably impressive, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.

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Review Card & Book Review – Frenemy Fix-Up By Yahrah St. John

Accountant Colin Anderson is working himself into an early grave.

Shay Davis is finally living her dream of owning a yoga studio.

Sure, they went to high school together—but that’s where their similarities end. He’s Mr. Corporate, hustling late into the night so his firm can go public, while she flows through sun salutations and half-moon poses at her own pace.

So when a health scare pushes Colin to make a few life changes, he knows where to turn. If he’s going to get right with his career, he’ll need the right woman—and to get the right woman, he has to prioritize his health. Who better than Shay to help whip his butt into shape so he can win back his high school girlfriend?

The catch is, she only has ninety days to do it.

And they both really, really get on each other’s nerves.

Soon, though, their sessions are heating up the studio. But as Colin gets closer to achieving his goal, he and Shay both move further away from what they thought they wanted. Before they know it, they’ll have to step out of their comfort zones and rethink their own versions of “right”…before their time is up.

About The Author

My Review

Shay and Colin, former high school acquaintances, reunite under unexpected circumstances in this engaging read filled with drama, action, and steamy romance. Shay, a divorced yoga studio owner, agrees to train workaholic accountant Colin during his medical leave in exchange for financial support. As their relationship deepens, they confront personal struggles and past traumas, leading to a poignant exploration of trust and vulnerability. While the fourth installment in a series, the dynamic between Shay and her friends adds depth to the story, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that emphasizes the importance of life beyond career success.

My Rating

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