Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – More Than A Match By Brooklyn Bell

Love is the ultimate game. And this matchmaker plays for keeps.

Elite matchmaker Cher Thatcher always gets her man. But true love is the risk she never thought she’d take for herself … Until now.

New York Fashion Week isn’t just the ultimate glamorous getaway for Cher and her best friend, billionaire and international heart-throb Owen Hawking. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to finally make the leap from friends to lovers. But the glittering lights and epic after-parties have a few unexpected twists in store.

For one thing, Channing Stanbury, the dangerously handsome playboy from Cher’s past, has just unexpectedly waltzed back into her life. And Owen’s old flame—who happens to be a supermodel—is stealing the spotlight at the hottest runway show of the year.

Sparks are flying, champagne is flowing, and the fashion scene is sizzling. Will Cher finally find her own happily ever after among all the sparks? Or will her chance at a real relationship with both Owen and Channing slip through her fingers?

About The Author

My Review

Cher Thatcher, an elite matchmaker, finds herself taking a chance on love during New York Fashion Week, where she plans to transition from friends to lovers with her billionaire best friend, Owen Hawking. However, unexpected twists arise when Channing Stanbury, a handsome playboy from Cher’s past, reappears, and Owen’s supermodel ex complicates matters. Amidst the sizzling fashion scene and spicy encounters, Cher navigates her own romantic journey while grappling with past trauma and her burgeoning feelings for both Owen and Channing. With plenty of steamy scenes and character growth, this sequel to Matching Millions delivers a quick and entertaining read, despite its lack of adventure or intricate plot. The characters, though wealthy and attractive, are intriguing, and Cher’s Matchmaker 360 business adds an interesting dimension to the story, offering insight into the world of elite matchmaking.

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Review Card & Book Review – His Assistant’s New York Awakening By Emmy Grayson

He’s utterly off-limits…
and the only man she’s ever wanted!

Temporary assistant Evolet Grey has precisely the skills and experience to help Damon Bradford win the biggest contract in his company’s history. But she’s also maddeningly attractive and testing the iron grip the Manhattan CEO always has on his self-control…

Putting her needs first has never come easily to innocent Evolet. But she can barely think straight in her new boss’s presence! She’d be putting everything on the line by revealing the powerful attraction Damon has awoken, but would walking away from it be the biggest risk of all?

About The Author

My Review

Evolet Grey, a temporary executive assistant, is assigned to help Damon Bradford win a crucial contract for his company. Despite her professional skills, Evolet finds herself drawn to Damon, who is determined to keep their relationship strictly business due to past trauma. As they work together, their attraction grows, but both must grapple with the potential risks of pursuing a temporary romance. Evolet also strives to fulfill her dream of playing the cello in an orchestra while navigating her feelings for Damon. Overall, it is a light and easy read tome.

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Review Card & Book Review – Chasing Dreams at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home By Sarah Hope

Sometimes you’re just where you need to be…

After a difficult break-up, Poppy is keen to put the past behind her and what’s better than some relaxing time with her aunt in the picturesque Cornish village of West Par?

But life at her aunt Flora’s Dogs’ Home is anything but relaxing. When a poor little pup is stranded at the gates, Poppy takes them for a check up at the local vet, hoping against hope they’ll be fine.

And there she meets Mack: the vet who is so charming and experienced with the dogs, but selfish and – dare she say it – money-grabbing with his clients.

But underneath that cold exterior, she’s sure there’s more to the story. If only she could convince him to open up. Because without him, the future of Wagging Tails isn’t so assured…

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming romance set in a small Cornish town, centered around Poppy Hargraves, who finds solace at her aunt Flora’s dog shelter after a tough breakup. As Poppy reconnects with the dogs and becomes involved in their care, she also forms a friendship with the new vet, Mack. Despite their past baggage and misunderstandings, Poppy and Mack’s romance blossoms amidst the Christmas festivities. While the romance plot is fairly typical, the charming setting of the dog shelter and the Christmassy atmosphere add to the book’s appeal. The story sheds light on the challenges faced by animal shelters, such as vet bills, and highlights the importance of community support. Overall, it’s a pleasant and enjoyable read, with the dogs stealing the show.

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Review Card & Book Review – Absolutely Not In Love By Jenny Proctor

My requirements for a man are simple. Must love books. Must NOT love hockey.

Which is why I will never be interested in my neighbor, the aloof and mysterious Felix Jamison, no matter how many books I see him hauling into his apartment. Unless he loses his pro hockey skates, I’m out.

But then he shows up at my symphony concert.

And I catch the sweet strains of Beethoven floating across the hall.

Have I mentioned how incredible he looks in his game day suit?

Still, my history with hockey is complicated. My older brother played, and let’s just say he stole enough limelight to land a plane at midnight. I was forced to be a part of that world for so long, now that I have a choice, it’s the last thing I want.

But something tells me Felix is about to change my mind…

About The Author

My Review

In the final installment of the Sweater Weather series, a hockey player, Felix, and a cellist, Gracie, find love in a small town. Despite Gracie’s initial reluctance to date a hockey player again, she falls for Felix, who is thoughtful and shares her love for books and classical music. As they navigate complicated family dynamics and personal hang-ups, their connection deepens, leading to a swoony romance with great mental health representation and fall vibes. With delightful banter, chemistry, and a perfect grand gesture ending, this book stands out as a heartwarming love story.

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Review Card & Book Review – New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs By Georgina Troy

People say that it’s hard not to fall in love living on the sunny island of Jersey, but for Bea Philips, still reeling from a divorce and the loss of her beloved godmother, she’s not sure she can find the time. While her soon-to-be-ex-husband is trying to take away the home she grew up in, surly but attractive builder Luke is doing it up. Her old flame Tom has just turned up as her new manager at the office, and she has no idea what the mysterious Jersey Kiss is that her godmother has bequeathed to her…

Is life going to give Bea a break, so she can keep her dream home, and maybe fall in love?

About The Author

My Review

Bea, going through a divorce and inheriting her aunt’s home, faces challenges when her ex-husband claims half its value. Sparks fly with Luke, a repairman, but Bea hesitates to pursue him. Determined to save her godmother’s house, she finds solace in its garden and support from friends. As the story unfolds with twists and a wedding, Bea navigates through complications while discovering the promise of new romance and a future on the island. The setting of Jersey adds depth, and the secondary characters bring humor and warmth. This escapist read offers a guaranteed happy ending and delivers a delightful summer romance amidst life’s challenges. Overall, it’s a heartwarming and engaging novel worth recommending.

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Review Card & Book Review – Change Of Heart By T.A. Williams

Two families at war and Alice finds herself caught in the middle. Can she re-write a story as old as time?

When cutbacks force Alice out of her assistant manager role at a Devonshire stately home, she turns her sights elsewhere: the picturesque hills above the historic city of Parma. An aristocratic Italian family are looking to open their medieval castle to the public, and Alice is just the woman for the job.

Four years ago, a life-changing accident pushed Alice into depression, but the beauty and charm of the Italian countryside works its magic in brightening her days. Especially when she keeps bumping into handsome Luca… But rivalries run deep in the town, and Alice’s work – not to mention her potential love life – are caught in the middle of a long-standing feud between two families.

With her job and future happiness in peril, can Alice save the future of the castle, and bring two warring families together?

About The Author

My Review

Alice, a woman with a tragic past and mobility restrictions, finds herself embarking on a new adventure when she takes a job helping an Italian family turn their castle into a tourist attraction. Along the way, she forms a deep connection with Luca, the architect, and rediscovers her love for horse riding and exploring the countryside around Parma. Despite facing opposition from the village mayor and confronting historic family feuds, Alice navigates the challenges with determination and finds happiness once again. The novel is filled with delightful characters, mouth-watering food, and a heartwarming romance set against the backdrop of the Italian countryside. With its perfect emotional touch, the story offers an uplifting escape from wintery weather, leaving readers thoroughly engaged and entertained.

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Review Card & Book Review – Starstruck By Amy Clipston

Can a small-town waitress capture the heart of a world-famous heartthrob?

For Heather Gordon, life in her small North Carolina town has always been simple and uneventful. Until one night when a rowdy food fight breaks out in her family’s restaurant where she’s a waitress. The culprits? The internationally famous rock band, Kirwan. And when Alex Kirwan, the charming and enigmatic lead singer, wants to make amends for his brothers’ (and bandmates’) behavior and invites her to attend one of their concerts as a guest of the band, Heather’s world is turned upside down . . . and sparks fly.

Alex has always loved music, but his rock-star life isn’t all glamorous people and parties. It’s also paparazzi and online tabloids, a new city every week, and the loneliness of touring—even if he has his brothers with him. But with Heather things are different, and he’s instantly smitten and determined to get to know the sweet, pretty woman who has absolutely no interest in his fame. If only he can convince her to take a chance on his crazy life.

Once Alex leaves on tour, he and Heather begin exchanging messages and calls. Despite the distance between them, they find themselves learning they have more in common than they ever could have imagined. But even while Heather and Alex’s relationship deepens, they must face the harsh realities of fame and the pressures it puts on their personal lives. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges that come with celebrity, or will the rigors of distance and Alex’s life on the road tear them apart?

About The Author

My Review

Heather Gordon, a waitress in a small North Carolina town, has her world turned upside down when she becomes involved with Alex Kirwan, the charming lead singer of the internationally famous rock band Kirwan. Despite their differences, they form a deep connection, but they must navigate the challenges of fame and distance as Alex’s tour takes him away from Heather. As they exchange messages and calls, their relationship deepens, but they must confront the realities of celebrity life. Despite the obstacles, Heather and Alex’s love story unfolds against the backdrop of music, family, and personal dreams.

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Review Card & Book Review – Check & Mate By Ali Hazelwood

Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.

Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist….

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent…and infuriating…)

About The Author

My Review

The story revolves around Mallory, a complex character who works at an auto-repair shop and struggles with emotional intimacy due to past experiences, including her abandonment of chess, a once-passionate pursuit. Her love interest, Nolan Sawyer, the world’s top chess player, becomes infatuated with her after she beats him in a game. Despite the initial intrigue, the relationship lacks depth and development beyond their shared interest in chess. While Sawyer’s attraction to Mallory is initially based on her chess prowess, the reasons for his deeper feelings are not adequately explored. Additionally, Mallory’s familial and social relationships are depicted as negative and unsupportive, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the story. Overall, while the book is entertaining and well-written, it falls short in developing the romantic relationship and addressing the complexity of Mallory’s personal connections.

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Review Card & Book Review – Before I’m Gone By Heidi McLaughlin

Palmer Sinclair has never needed anyone’s help. A successful loan officer, she’s all work and no play. But when splitting headaches and blurred vision begin to affect her job, she begrudgingly sees a doctor and receives a diagnosis that leaves her shaken to her core and with little time left. Facing an uncertain future, Palmer makes a bucket list, determined to do the things she’d only dreamed of before she goes.

Kent Wagner has dedicated his life to helping others. An army medic turned paramedic, he’s a regular at Palmer’s bank who makes his monthly car loan payments in person just to see her radiant smile. After responding to not one but two 911 calls involving Palmer, he learns about her bucket list. Touched by her circumstances—and needing a distraction from his own—Kent offers to take Palmer to the places on her list.

Neither is prepared for the emotional journey ahead…or how little time they have left together, but the friendship they find in that brief time might be the most lasting legacy of all.

About The Author

My Review

“Before I’m Gone” is a poignant love story about Palmer Sinclair, who, upon learning she has advanced brain cancer with only six months to live, creates a bucket list. Kent, a paramedic who responds to her emergencies, joins her on this journey, and they develop a deep bond. Despite the inevitable sadness, the book inspires with themes of living life to the fullest, experiencing love, and finding solace in companionship. Palmer’s resilience and Kent’s unwavering support make for a touching and believable relationship, teaching the reader valuable lessons about cherishing every moment. The novel navigates through themes of choice, love, loss, grief, acceptance, and moving forward after loss, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

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