Category Archives: Book Review

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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Review Card & Book Review – The First Day Without You By Melissa Hill

Leonie has left behind everything and everyone she loves for a fresh start in California. Desperate to outrun the mess she’s come from, she hopes the change of scenery can mend her broken heart and bury her secrets forever. But when she discovers a bundle of unread love letters hidden in the back of a wardrobe in her new apartment, she is intrigued by the mystery behind them…and can’t help but notice the similarities between them and her own story.

With the help of her new friend Alex, a news reporter toting around baggage of her own, Leonie embarks on a quest down the West Coast to find the ill-fated lovers from the letters and reunite them, whatever it takes. Even if it means confronting the hurt she’s buried deep within herself. Because if the couple behind the love letters can find a happy ending, then perhaps she just might too.

About The Author

My Review

Leonie moves to California for a fresh start, but discovers a bundle of unread love letters in her new apartment, sparking a quest to reunite the lovers mentioned in them. With the help of her friend Alex, she uncovers surprising twists and confronts her own past, leading to unexpected revelations. Despite a slow start, the novel’s intriguing premise, well-developed characters, and the vivid San Francisco backdrop make it an enjoyable read filled with surprises and genuine emotions.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Whole Time By Catherine Bybee

Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos’ restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.

About The Author

My Review

In “THE WHOLE TIME,” Salena Barone, enamored with the D’Angelo family, works in their restaurant and moves to the top floor to escape her overprotective parents. At a D’Angelo wedding, she meets Ryan, instantly sparking chemistry. Despite claiming they’re not seeking commitment, their casual dating evolves into something deeper. Ryan, the black sheep of the Rutledge family, resists joining his family’s wine business, mirroring Salena’s desire to forge her own path. As their story unfolds, filled with beauty and heartbreak, readers are drawn into the captivating world of the D’Angelo family, eager for more.

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Review Card & Book Review -The Last Train Home By Elle Cook

On the last train home you expect to find…

– Standing space only
– Drunk people singing
– The overpowering smell of McDonalds

You never expect to find love.

When Abbie and Tom cross paths traveling home after a night out, their eyes meet across a crowded carriage and their connection is unmistakable.

What they don’t know is that moments later they’ll both be caught up in an event that will change them forever.

It is one that will bring them together. But it will also tear them apart.

A lot can happen in seven seconds. A lot can happen in seven years.

About The Author

My Review

It’s 2005, and Abbie and Tom meet on the Tube after separate nights out. They hit it off but are bonded through tragedy soon after. Their friendship develops into something more, but a shocking revelation during a passionate moment leaves Abbie humiliated. Despite their feelings, timing is never right over the next 5 years. They remain each other’s “ones that got away.” The book evokes nostalgia, breaking the reader’s heart and putting it back together with its genuine, loveable characters. It’s a story of missed chances and the hope of finding a way back to each other.

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Review Card & Book Review – Always the Bridesmaid By Laura Carter

A cheeky chappy comedian

Charlie is most comfortable playing the funny man in front of boisterous crowds in London’s comedy clubs. But he’s about to be swapping his routine for wedding speeches. And his new acquaintance Sarah thinks he is anything but amusing.

The woman who’s got it covered

Weddings are always a difficult time for widow Sarah, but you would never tell – she’s too focused on making the week of her best friends’ wedding as perfect as possible. She definitely has no time for the grumpy and surly Charlie, who it’s clear her friends are trying to set her up with.

And only one room left at the rental…

When a drunken invitation adds more people to the pre-wedding holiday house than Sarah organized for, she finds herself spending A LOT more time with Charlie than she intended. If only they could both let their guards down, they might find they have more in common than they think.

About The Author

My Review

Sarah is thrilled about her friend Jake’s wedding to Becky but faces delays flying to London due to work issues. Drew, Jake’s brother and Sarah’s boss, arranges for Charlie, a comedian, to pick her up. Despite a rocky start, they end up sharing a room at the wedding venue. Their journey to London leads to a blossoming romance. Charlie is portrayed as a realistic character, adding depth to the romantic comedy. The book is delightfully British-themed, with a slow-burn romance and plenty of humorous moments. The dual points of view provide insight into Charlie and Sarah’s conflicting emotions. The story strikes a perfect balance between reality and fiction, with tear-jerking emotions complementing the humor.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Wedding in Driftwood Cove By Olivia Miles

With youngest sister Hallie getting married, the three Walsh sisters reunite at their family’s beach house for the big event. It’s a celebratory affair, rife with cherished traditions.

But families are complicated, and these sisters are no exception. Claire, the eldest, no longer believes in love after years working as a divorce attorney, and she resorts to taking her “work husband” as her date to convince her family otherwise. Middle sister, Amy, fears a confrontation with the man who broke her heart by announcing he was marrying someone else. And although Hallie has always lived a charmed life, she’s getting cold feet about marrying her childhood sweetheart.

As the Walsh sisters grapple with the secrets they’ve kept from one another, they must decide if Hallie’s wedding is a chance to mend mistakes of the past…even if it means confronting their feelings about love, life, and one another.

About The Author

My Review

This book follows the three Walsh sisters reunited for the youngest sister Hallie’s hurried wedding to her childhood sweetheart. Claire, the eldest, a divorce lawyer, reconsiders her views on love when her colleague becomes her date. Amy, the middle sister, has given up on love but is thrown back into the wedding scene when her expertise is needed. Hallie, the youngest, questions her life choices as she prepares for marriage. Emotional and endearing, the book delves into family bonds and sisterly relationships, with well-portrayed characters and realistic feelings. While the romance is predictable, the focus remains on the sisters’ journey.

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Review Card & Book Review – Four Weddings and a Christmas By Phillipa Ashley

Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame?

With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats.

If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good.

So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect.

But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love?

About The Author

My Review

Freya’s thriving holiday business in Bannerdale encounters a surprise when she finds Travis, with whom she shares a complicated past, staying in one of her cottages. Despite their history, sparks fly between them again, but Freya is hesitant to pursue anything serious. However, as they grow closer during the Christmas season, they find themselves reevaluating their relationship and working through their differences. Filled with warmth and strong chemistry between the characters, this second chance romance is both real and convincing. The supportive friendships, family issues, and picturesque Lake District setting add depth to the story, making it a delightful Christmas read and a personal favorite of the reviewer. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a heartwarming holiday tale.

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