Category Archives: Book Review

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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Review Card & Book Review – An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street By Jaimie Admans

A tale as old as time…

Since her mum’s death, Marnie Platt has shut herself away from everyone who cares about her. Worse, her beloved bookshop on Ever After Street is suffering too. With sales down and the shop’s garden falling into disrepair, Marnie risks losing the very last thing she loves. Until a chance encounter with her surly and reclusive neighbour….

Dark and brooding, Darcy O’Connell likes to keep himself to himself. But when he hears Marnie needs help, he can’t turn his back on her. Soon they are spending most evenings together in her enchanted garden and a friendship starts to bloom…

With the help of old and new friends on Ever After Street, Marnie’s bookshop begins to thrive again, and with Darcy’s kindness, she starts to get her sparkle back too. She just can’t understand why Darcy continues to shut himself away – especially from her. Can she convince him it isn’t too late to embrace life, and maybe love, again?

About The Author

My Review

Marnie, grieving the loss of her mother and struggling to keep her failing bookshop afloat, finds unexpected kindness from her reclusive neighbor, the owner of a flower shop. As they bond over tea and roses, Marnie’s ideas for revitalizing her business begin to take shape, and with his support, she starts to see a brighter future. Set in a charming bookshop setting and inspired by Beauty and the Beast, this modern retelling weaves together heartfelt romance, captivating characters, and a warm community, making it a must-read for romance enthusiasts.

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Review Card & Book Review – My Heart is in Venice By Helga Jensen

Venice was where it all began…

Libby and Will spent a glorious honeymoon in this magical city. They didn’t have much money, but they had a whole lot of love and a bright future ahead of them.

And Venice was where it all went wrong…

Two kids and twenty-five years later, they are struggling with money problems but somehow Will manages to fulfil his promise to Libby to take her back to Venice for their anniversary. This time, they are doing it in style and a masked ball awaits. But among the beautiful buildings and romantic canals, Libby learns that her husband has a secret that breaks her heart.

The trust is broken and the marriage is over. But there are decades of love and two grown sons between them.

Can they ever find their way back to each other or have they missed their chance forever?

About The Author

My Review

Libby and Will struggle to keep their antique shop afloat in rainy Tenby, but a surprise online success allows them to revisit Venice for their twenty-fifth anniversary. However, tension arises when they can’t afford a masked ball Libby dreams of attending, leading to revelations of financial betrayal. The book beautifully captures the charm of Venice and the challenges of mature love, though some aspects of the characters’ reactions feel rushed. Despite this, the story offers a satisfying blend of light-hearted moments, emotional turmoil, and second-chance romance, making it a recommended read for older audiences.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Long Time Coming By Meghan Quinn

“Have you ever heard of a man-in-waiting?”

Yeah, not many have, Breaker Cane included. But his best friend, Lia Fairweather-Fern, can’t get married without some extra help. That’s why she’s recruited him to take on the snarling beast that’s her soon-to-be monster-in-law, Mrs. Beaver. For some reason, the groom’s mother seems to have never heard the phrase, “What the bride wants, the bride gets.” Lucky for Lia, Breaker has, and he accepts the challenge. After all, how much trouble can one woman cause?

The problem is, it isn’t Mrs. Beaver giving Breaker the most grief—it’s actually Lia. Because with every second her wedding draws closer, he’s starting to see her in a different light. She’s always been beautiful, but now, he finds himself staring a touch too long, his hand lingering for one more minute, and when she’s upset? Allowing her to sleep in his bed.

Before he knows it, it hits him like a ton of bricks: he’s fallen in love with his best friend.

Nothing is snapping him out of it. Not the girl he tries to date during the wedding planning. Not Lia’s increasingly suspicious fiancé. Not even the looming deadline of her upcoming nuptials.

Which means there’s only one thing left to do: prove to Lia he’s the one she should be with instead.

And it’s going to be a lot harder than he thinks.

About The Author

My Review

This book is an absolute delight, blending adorably sweet moments with hilarious humor and achingly romantic scenes. Lia and Breaker meet in college and become best friends, but it’s not until years later, amidst wedding planning and unexpected realizations, that Breaker realizes he’s in love with Lia. With Meghan Quinn’s signature wit and irresistible banter, the story unfolds into a wonderfully quirky and charming friends-to-lovers romance. Breaker and Lia’s journey is filled with laughter, tears, and swoons, making it an unforgettable and heartwarming read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Coffee and Cake at Wildflower Lock By Hannah Lynn

Home is where the coffee is…

Daisy May is embarking on a new chapter of her life as a permanent resident at the idyllic Wildflower Lock. Determined to seize this second chance she’s been granted, Daisy is putting her all into making her new business venture a success. As her friendship with Theo grows ever stronger, her happily ever after seems within reach.

However, life isn’t always smooth sailing. When a string of unfortunate mishaps and an unruly stag party leaves Daisy’s finances in dire straits, she starts to question her decision to launch a coffee shop. But just when she’s nearly lost hope, the mysterious and generous Christian enters her life. Astute and eager to assist Daisy, he proposes a solution that could be the answer to all her problems… or will it be the beginning of even more challenges.

About The Author

My Review

Daisy May transforms her inherited houseboat into a coffee shop with the help of her neighbor Theo, while battling her fear of love. When her shop faces financial troubles, a chance encounter leads her on a journey to promote her art and save her business. Set in a picturesque canal setting, ‘Coffee and Cake on the Wildflower Lock’ offers a charming romcom filled with sliding doors moments and sweet romance. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, it leaves room for exploration of backstory and side characters in the series.

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Review Card & Book Review – Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm By Alison Sherlock

She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong?

Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing – a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract…

About The Author

My Review

Flora Barton, raised by her grandparents, faces the challenge of saving their deteriorating farm after her grandfather’s death. Feeling overwhelmed, she encounters Nico Rossi, an Italian playboy with a plan to rescue the farm. Initially wary, Flora eventually warms up to Nico’s charm, while her grandmother plays matchmaker. As their romance blossoms, they work together to revitalize the farm with the help of their supportive community. Despite uncertainties about Nico’s departure, their love story offers warmth and tenderness, making it a captivating read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Just Do It By Maxine Morrey

Lizzie Rose knows what she likes and likes what she knows.

Her role at the London Museum is more than a job, it’s her safe place and her passion. So when Lizzie is passed over for a chance in a lifetime opportunity in favour of her ex-boyfriend and fellow Egypt nerd Friedrich Klein, her heartbreak over their relationship pales into insignificance compared to her sadness at losing the project.

Best friend Colette thinks an evening of cocktails is just the medicine for a broken heart, and meeting dashing, charming, but very much ‘not her type’ Finn Bryson at the bar puts a smile on Lizzie’s face too. But Lizzie isn’t used to spending time outside of her comfortable world of academia and doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure. So when Finn’s job brings him to the museum, she’s determined to put an end to any notion of romance between them.

But what if Lizzie’s comfort zone isn’t that comfortable any more? Is it time for Lizzie to take the chance on love that fate keeps bringing her way – even if it means changing the habits of a lifetime?

About The Author

My Review

Lizzie Rose, an archeologist and museum curator, finds herself passed over for a lead position on an archaeological dig, given instead to her ex-fiance. However, a chance encounter with Finn, who ends up working alongside her at the museum, leads to unexpected sparks. As they navigate their differences and the challenges of their budding relationship, Lizzie experiences personal growth and learns to trust her instincts. With humorous and heartwarming moments, the story delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

My Rating

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