Book Review – Page 96

Review Card & Book Review – Wild Heart By Leslie North

Recovering at the ranch has never been so… vigorous.

With a knee injury capable of ending his football career, all Charlie Wild should be focusing on is recovery. But that’s the last thing on his mind when Dylan Rose walks into the small town hospital he’s healing at. She’s stunningly beautiful…Too bad the gorgeous doctor seems immune to his charms.

Dylan Rose isn’t looking for romance when she meets her newest patient. Sure, Charlie is charming, handsome and built like the star quarterback he is. But she knows better than to fall for a player.

Yet over time, she begins to see that he’s more than just a cute jock. Charlie has heart. He’s also persistent as all get out, and no matter how hard she tries, she can’t ignore the sizzling attraction growing between them. But just when she’s starting to fall for the big lug, Charlie betrays her, putting himself and their relationship in danger.

Can she forgive him? Or will Charlie have to add heartache to the list of injuries keeping him on the sidelines?

About The Author

My Review

In this book, football player Charlie Wild faces a career-threatening knee injury. He meets Dr. Dylan Rose, a sports medicine specialist, who is unimpressed by his playboy reputation. Despite their initial clash, their attraction grows as Dylan becomes Charlie’s lead on treatment. Charlie, struggling with his injury and attracted to Dylan, faces difficult choices between his career and their relationship. Their journey involves professional boundaries, public scrutiny, and personal growth, with Charlie eventually realizing the importance of love over football. With the support of his brother Trevor and the backdrop of Wildhorse Ranch, the story navigates themes of redemption and self-discovery. Readers can anticipate an engaging romance with a charming protagonist learning valuable lessons from love and loss.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Summer Hates Christmas By Rachel Dove

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…isn’t it?

Summer Hastings HATES Christmas. She loves sunshine, the beach and sending people off to their dream destinations – even if she doesn’t get to see the world for herself. For Summer, Christmas sucks!

So, when handsome and charming Noel Pritchett moves his pop-up Christmas shop into the store next to hers, Summer wishes she worked anywhere but next door to Mr Christmas.

But Noel loves Christmas and his enthusiasm for the festive season is infectious. If only he could break through the anti-Christmas armour Summer has surrounded herself with, he’s sure he could convince her that it really is the most wonderful time of the year!

About The Author

My Review

Summer dreads Christmas and prefers to focus on her travel agency in Bridlington rather than festive celebrations. When Noel, a Christmas shop owner, moves in next door, his enthusiasm clashes with Summer’s aversion to the holiday. Despite initial tensions, a friendship develops between them, revealing darker aspects of Summer’s life, including her difficult family situation. As Summer navigates her challenges, Noel’s understanding and gentleness win her over, leading to a heartfelt romance. The story balances emotional depth with moments of humor, resulting in an uplifting and heartwarming read that exceeds expectations.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – A Hollywood Ending By Melanie Summers

When life hands you heartbreak, grab a sexy bodyguard…

America’s sweetheart Courtney Bennett had it all – fame, fortune, and a doting husband in one of Hollywood’s most powerful men. But when he trades her in for a younger actress, Courtney’s world topples down around her.

With paparazzi on her tail and nowhere to turn, she hides away in a secluded cabin in Colorado with her new (and deliciously hot) bodyguard, Damien Young.

As Courtney strives to rebuild her shattered heart, she finds herself drawn to Damien, the man determined to get her back on her feet again.

But as a man of honor, Damien won’t take advantage of a woman in such a vulnerable state, no matter how undeniable their chemistry is.

About The Author

My Review

Courtney, a Hollywood actress embroiled in scandal due to her cheating husband, seeks refuge in Colorado with Damien, her supposed bodyguard for the night. Damien, an ex-Marine with dreams of opening his lodge, sees Courtney’s strength and supports her through her crisis. The story offers a glimpse into the toxic drama of the entertainment industry, showcasing Courtney and Damien’s resilience and adorable connection as they fight against external pressures. Damien’s unwavering support helps Courtney reclaim her life, culminating in a satisfying revenge moment. Their journey is engaging, leaving the reader reluctant to say goodbye to these compelling characters.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – Two To Tango By Laura Carter

A high-intensity personal trainer

The secret to Brooks’s success as a Manhattan gym owner? Being motivated to disprove everyone who ever doubted him. So he’s not about to let a perky newcomer like Izzy tarnish his reputation. Even if watching her lead a salsa class on his premises gets his own heartbeat raised…

His beautiful British rival

Every time influencer Izzy slams Brooks in her fitness blog, her book sales soar. But when their escalating media feud forces them to be up-close-and-personal for two weeks, she realizes there’s much more to Brooks than that lean and muscled body.

And a competition that’s got their hearts racing…

Soon Izzy and Brooks are finding all kinds of creative ways to work up a sweat. A passionate workout is easy, but can their rivalry give way to a lasting partnership?

About The Author

My Review

Brooks is a dedicated single dad and successful gym owner in New York City, still trying to prove himself to his past love and her disapproving parents. His life gets complicated when Izzy, a spoiled socialite promoting her fitness book, enters the scene, causing friction with her entitled attitude. Despite Brooks’ lingering feelings for his ex, Izzy’s behavior annoys him, leading to a love-hate dynamic. Their competition in fitness and diet adds humor to the story, but the romance falls short for the reader. The presence of familiar characters from a previous book adds depth to the narrative. Although not a fan of the main characters, the captivating writing style keeps the reader engaged until the end.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – Fire Me Up By Kimberly Kincaid

Ingredients:

One bad-boy chef with a broken arm and a head full of bad memories.

One tough as nails kitchen-phobe who has to run her father’s pub with no notice, no cash, and no room for error.

One reluctant deal that keeps him in the kitchen and her out of hot water.

Mix well and see if these two can stand the heat in the kitchen.

Serve with a side of workplace romance, forced proximity, scorching hot banter, and a sexy, hard-won happily ever after.

About The Author

My Review

The book revolves around Adrian, a chef, and Teagan, a paramedic who also works at her father’s pub. Teagan is dedicated to her job and caring for her father, while Adrian’s life revolves around cooking until an injury sidelines him. Fate brings them together, and they bond over cooking, discovering a strong chemistry between them. The story skillfully integrates food and cooking, with the characters’ shared moments in the kitchen standing out. Despite some predictable and far-fetched elements, the well-written narrative keeps the focus and engages the reader throughout.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – Snow Angels At Golden Sands Bay By Georgina Troy

Portia Fortescue has traded in the hustle and bustle of London to help renovate a magnificent French manor house on the beautiful island of Jersey with her boyfriend Charlie.

But what they hoped would be a blissful escape to the chateau, turns out to be more of a DIY SOS. As the winter snow sets in, the stress of restoring the derelict building begins to take its toll on their relationship. Portia has known heartbreak before, but thought she’d found her happy-ever-after with Charlie…

Then, just as all seems lost, Portia and Charlie discover the warmth of the community – the best friends anyone could ever ask for. This new life could be everything they want it to be… if only they can finish the chateau in time for its grand reopening!

About The Author

My Review

Portia and Charlie, living in London, decide to renovate Charlie’s inherited chateau on Jersey. Portia sells her flat to fund the renovations, aiming for a shared home. Challenges arise – no heat, damaged windows, and collapsing ceilings. They face the harsh Jersey winter, testing their resolve. The alternating chapters reveal their struggles, friends, and the charm of the Jersey community. Will they overcome obstacles and find happiness away from London? It’s a heartwarming tale of love, challenges, and the allure of a small-town life.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Love By Design By Judith Keim

Danielle “Dani” Gilford eagerly accepts her share of the gift of a cottage on the property of the Lilac Lake Inn in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her grandmother, Gigi, has decided to sell the inn after realizing it’s too difficult to run as she ages and with rising taxes. Dani and her two sisters, Whitney and Taylor, must renovate and maintain the cottage and live there at least six months of each year, as a means of helping Gigi keep a vow to hold onto as much of the family property as possible.

The first person that Dani meets when she returns to the lake is Brad Collister, who, with his brother, has been hired to renovate the inn for the new owners. His brother, Aaron, is as attractive as Brad, but life with the brothers is complicated. Brad is still grieving for his wife, who died two years ago from cancer and Aaron’s interest lies with the business. And after working in Boston at an architectural design firm where the men in the office do everything they can to keep her from getting recognition for the work she does, the last thing Dani is looking for is a man. But the little town of Lilac Lake is full of interesting people, and surprises await Dani as she and her sisters work together to keep a promise to their grandmother, and Dani discovers new possibilities for herself about life and love.

About The Author

My Review

Octogenarian Eugenia Wittner, known as GG, faces financial misfortune due to a cheating financial planner. She retains only a deserted caretaker’s cottage and a few acres for her granddaughters, Dani, Whitney, and Taylor. The deal stipulates the cottage must stay occupied, prompting GG to gather her granddaughters for the task. Dani, an accomplished architect, arrives first, followed by Whitney, seeking solace from Hollywood’s paparazzi, and Taylor, their half-sister. Together, they embark on renovating the cottage but encounter a mysterious entity. As the renovation progresses, Dani forms a connection with contractor Brad Collister, navigating his mourning process and facing impediments from his late wife’s family. Dani is also tempted by a job offer in Boston, but her time in Lilac Lake strengthens her resolve to stay. The story, skillfully crafted by the author, weaves relatable characters into a unique narrative with otherworldly elements, setting the stage for an enjoyable series. Highly recommended.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – The Sound of Sleighbells By Janet Dailey

After her divorce, Ruth McCoy is eager to trade her children’s painful memories for new holiday traditions. But Ruth has a whole new set of distractions when fate brings the man she once loved together with the son he never knew he had…

Life has thrown Judd Rankin some tough turns, and he’s startled by the feelings he still has for Ruth. Though the successful rancher knows better than to chase old dreams, he doesn’t mind lending the struggling single mom a hand. And when Judd sees Ruth’s teenaged son’s interest in his custom saddle business, he’s happy to let the boy help him build the harness for Branding Iron’s Christmas sleigh. Besides, the kid reminds Judd of the young man he once was. A man who believed anything was possible…

Powerless to deny the growing bond between her son and Judd, Ruth knows it’s only a matter of time before her secret is discovered. But will the revelation shatter the tender feelings between her and Judd—or turn out to be her family’s greatest gift?

About The Author

My Review

Ruth McCoy, with a tumultuous romantic history, faces the return of Judd Rankin, her former love who spent time in prison for manslaughter. Ruth has two daughters from her failed marriages, and her son, Skip, unknowingly fathered by Judd, works on Judd’s ranch. The narrative unfolds with the tension of hidden paternity and a past filled with wrong choices and regrets. Ruth struggles with revealing the truth to Judd and Skip, haunted by the secrets of their intertwined pasts. As their complex story of young love, redemption, and second chances unfolds, the characters grapple with rebuilding trust and finding happiness amidst their shared history. The looming specter of past choices resurfaces, challenging Ruth and Judd as they navigate their feelings and contemplate a possible happily ever after.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – Snowball Unwrapped By Kristen McKanagh

Jocelyn Becker would do anything for her twin sister. Unfortunately, “anything” this time means taking Ilse’s place as host of tv’s Home & Hearth and filming five Christmas-themed episodes at the Victorian inn and shops of Weber Haus. Somehow, Jocelyn will have to convince the world—and her co-host, Ben—that she is Ilse, who can craft, cook, bake, sing, and skate. Jocelyn, however, cannot.

Snowball, the inn’s official greeter, is also having double trouble. The show has its own feline star, a Snowball-lookalike named Angel who’s more of a devil in disguise. Meanwhile, Snowball has noticed enough sparks between Ben and Jocelyn to light up a Christmas tree. But thanks to Jocelyn’s deception and Angel’s antics, this is going to be Snowball’s most challenging match yet.Still, the holidays are made for mistletoe kisses, crackling fires, cozy evenings, and of course, sweet Snowball shenanigans . . .

About The Author

My Review

In the festive ambiance of Weber Haus, this holiday romance unfolds with twin-swap mistaken identity, TV show filming, and the mischievous feline matchmaker, Snowball. Despite initial reservations about the lead characters’ outsider status in the beloved inn, Ben and Jocelyn’s connection and chemistry shine through. The narrative cleverly avoids the pitfalls of a mistaken identity storyline, creating a relationship built on trust. The TV show element, typically not a favorite, surprises and captivates, offering delightful ideas for themed holiday parties. The cat, Snowball, orchestrates a few catjinks, adding humor to the tale. While some nitpicks include a wish for more involvement of the inn’s owners and exploration of Ilse’s character depth, the overall verdict is a heartwarming and adorable holiday read. The book combines comedy, lighthearted drama, and a delightful setting, making it a perfect one-sitting read with a cup of hot cocoa and sugar cookies.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – The Wedding Shake-up By JJ Knight

A destination wedding on La Jarra Island for Tillie James’s sister has its drawbacks: hair-wrecking ocean spray and pincher crabs. And its perks: sexy, hotheaded beachfront bartender Gabe Landers, who brings out the competitive streak in fellow drinkslinger Tillie. When the rivals get together for a cocktail-making challenge, the blend is pure bliss, leaving them shaken and stirred.

The spirited blue-eyed tourist from Georgia makes Gabe’s head spin faster than his signature drink, the mermaid sunrise. But he’s determined not to obsess—out-of-towner love stories never last. Tillie agrees. They’ll just enjoy each other for now and make a clean break. No strings. No attachments. No chance. But when Tillie’s kiss goodbye comes with an invitation for Gabe to visit Atlanta, he can’t resist. As fate has it, it’s home to a heartbreaking piece of his own past.

As Tillie and Gabe face new challenges, destiny could tear them apart…or turn an intoxicating romance on the rocks into more than they ever expected.

About The Author

My Review

Tillie James, a bartender on a tropical island for her sister’s wedding, meets local bartender Gabe Landers in a humorous encounter. Their vacation fling evolves into a deeper connection, but living in different countries poses challenges. The story navigates their relatable struggles with separation, family bonds, and personal histories. Tillie and Gabe’s chemistry is depicted as steamy and addictive, leading to a heartwarming resolution despite the obstacles. The narrative strikes a perfect balance of humor, love, real-life issues, and spice, portraying the characters as flawed yet relatable individuals. The friendly bartender competition and subsequent outings add depth to their evolving romance. The story, filled with witty dialogue and three-dimensional characters, explores the couple’s journey of overcoming past baggage for a happier future.

My Rating

Link To Purchase