Publication Day – Page 48

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

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 19 July 2024

So Not My Romantic Getaway By Evie Sterling

m stuck at a Hawaiian resort with my rival coworker…He’s terrible to work with but way too good at playing fake-boyfriend.

When I won a week-long trip to Hawaii for being a star employee, I did one of those happy dances at my desk. I immediately ordered a cute bikini, a floppy beach hat, and new sandals. Then I arrived and discovered my good luck wasn’t all good.

Yes, I won the trip… but so did my nemesis.

Jack Morgan is impossible to work with: Stubborn, cocky, and too charming for his own good. We have a long history of contentious emails behind us, and the fact that we’re up for the same promotion doesn’t help matters.

I blame the fruity cocktail from the poolside bar for that scheming session we had in the hot tub.

Our plan to take happy-couple photos to cheer up my mom and earn him some respect points with his ex seemed like a great idea…

Then again, that could have been the rum talking.

Because, really, posing cheek-to-cheek with Jack is more trouble than I’m prepared to deal with.

His perfectly crooked smile, sea-tossed hair, and deliciously manly smell make me swoon. Worse? He’s a lot sweeter in person than over email. He’s outgoing and can draw me out of my shell. We’re different, but we get each other in a way I never expected. Now, we’re bonding over stolen kisses, surf sessions, and our love of sea turtles.

This vacation is starting to feel romantic, like one of those fairytales where the princess meets her prince. Or, I could be building castles in the sand…

Happy Publication Day – 18 July 2024

Life Begins At 50! By Celia Anderson

Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true. Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.

Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.

But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .

Can it be true that life begins at fifty? And will Kate be brave enough to find happiness, and grab hold of it with both hands?

The Honeystone Village Diaries By Kate Forster

A mile outside the Cotswolds, everyone knows everyone in Honeystone, and for many years the villagers have lived quiet, steady lives. But a wind of change is here…

Anthea is the new owner of Spindle Hall. A renowned perfumer who lost her sense of smell, she’s not interested in making new friends. Yet somehow that seems impossible in this idyllic village.

Years ago, Peony left Honeystone with a broken heart, and now she has returned with it freshly bruised. Her single father, Robert, is struggling with slow business at the Hare and Thistle pub. Perhaps this time they can help each other?

Izzy has never known what she wants to do in life other than be at Raspberry Hill Farm and care for her little niece, Clover. But when a new doctor shows up in town, she starts to wonder…

Once Upon a Time in Venice By Carol Kirkwood

Can one magical city change their destiny?

Welcome to Venice, the fairytale city, where canals flow into hidden shadows and forbidden secrets whisper behind the masks…

The masked stranger

When Gina Bellini meets an enigmatic figure at the Venice carnival, their chemistry is unforgettable, before he vanishes into the night.

The Hollywood legend

Personal assistant, Issy Roberts is on location with Tinseltown’s biggest star. Will he discover her shocking lies?

The ultimate diva

Opera sensation Lucia De Santis has the world at her feet. How far will she go to get what she wants?

Happy Publication Day – 16 July 2024

Be Your Best Self By Maxine Morrey

Willow asks the universe to find her The One, but will she recognise him when he appears?

When Willow moved back to the village she grew up in for a new start, she was ready for a new way of life too. Now happily settled in her dream cottage with her beloved dog Spud, Willow enjoys the peace and sense of community country living brings.

That is until her quiet is shattered by her new neighbour. Sure brooding Henry Darcy, or Doctor Dishy as Willow’s best friend Abby calls him, may be easy on the eye, but it doesn’t take long for the new neighbours to discover that they don’t agree on anything.

Where Henry does science, Willow does nature. Where Henry does minimalism, Willow does multicolour. When Willow asked the universe to manifest her perfect man, either she wasn’t specific enough, or Henry isn’t it.

But when Willow tries again and a new man arrives in the village, has fate got it right this time and delivered her The One, or does she need to look closer to home…

Review Card & Book Review – Watchers of the Night By Charlene Parris

Looking for clues

They found each other

Haunted by the tragedies in her past, forensic investigator Cynthia Cornwall risks everything to keep Detective Adam Solberg informed about the explosion that led to his father’s death. Open, attentive and undeniably gorgeous, Adam seems too good to be true. But Cynthia will have to trust him if they’re both going to survive this case. And she’ll have to decide if the connection they’ve forged is real enough to last.

About The Author

My Review

Forensic investigator Cynthia Cornwall and Detective Adam Silberg are drawn together by a deadly explosion that rocks Adam’s father’s Motorcycle Club. As they dig deeper into the arson investigation, their attraction grows amidst the dangers they face. Cynthia, haunted by past tragedies, shares information with Adam, forging a bond based on shared grief and determination. Adam, grieving the loss of his father and friends, is driven to uncover the truth, even as he’s taken off the case. Their relationship blossoms amidst witty banter, steamy encounters, and genuine connection, challenging Cynthia’s guarded nature and Adam’s resolve. Parris skillfully weaves suspense and romance, creating a thrilling novel with vivid characters and unexpected twists.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 11 July 2024

It’s All Sun And Games By Portia MacIntosh

When Robin finds out she’s going on a work trip to Italy she can’t wait for a week away in the sunshine, away from the daily grind. So what if there’s a client pitch to do while they’re there? The thing Robin is most excited about is the chance to show her work crush, James, what she’s really like outside of work, and divert his attention from Liz, her work rival.

To make things even better, Robin realises that the town they’re going to in Italy is the same place that her childhood penpal, Andrea is from. So it’s the perfect time to re-connect and finally meet her old friend over some delicious Italian food and wine (between work obviously…) But when Andrea doesn’t turn out to be the person Robin thought, things get a little complicated…

Liv Is Not A Loser By Lauren Ford

Should Liv take herself out of the friend zone, or are they better off there?

Liv Granger has been flailing through life since her teens. When her brother, Joe, announces his engagement to his long-term boyfriend, Liv realises that she has never been able to commit to anything – a career, a fixed address, a relationship – and she may, in fact, be a massive loser.

With the help of Joe and Henry, her oldest friend, Liv comes up with the Loser List: ten tasks to change her life. The most challenging – three dates with the same person. After each increasingly disastrous date, Henry is always there to the rescue. Has what she’s been looking for been right in front of her the whole time?

Between restraining her mother’s wedding planning and doing everything in her power to not be her father’s wingman for his various short-lived girlfriends, Liv learns that the path to self-improvement needs to start with a little self-acceptance…

Happy Publication Day – 9 July 2024

Finding You By Amy Clipston

Both of them want a relationship—but is beginning it a big mistake?

On the outside, twenty-seven-year-old Darcy Larsen is a pretty, put-together professional—but inside she’s falling apart. Eighteen months ago, she lost her fiancé in an accident she still blames herself for. After a successful transplant, her kidney disease seems to be in check, but she worries that her future children—if she has any—will also suffer from the same condition. And she’s overcome with indecision about finding her birth mother, discovering potentially devastating information, and hurting her adoptive parents.

Mechanic Carter Donovan seems to have everything going for him at first glance. Stunning good looks. A wicked sense of humor. And a heart of gold. But Carter’s seemingly perfect exterior hides a host of secrets. After a rough breakup and mounting medical bills from a medical emergency that left him drowning in debt, he doesn’t feel like the catch everyone says he is. Plus, he’s about to turn thirty—with no romantic prospects on the horizon.

When Darcy’s Lexus breaks down in her doctor’s parking lot, Carter appears on the scene to try to jump-start her car—and her heart. But despite their immediate connection right from the start, the two have perhaps too many obstacles to overcome. Carter questions if getting involved with Darcy will be his next big mistake. And Darcy wonders if she can ever move past her grief and guilt to embrace the gift of Happily Ever After that’s dangling in front of her.

The Sawmill Book Club By Carolyn Brown

Unsure of the future but ready for risks, Libby O’Dell trades big-city life for whatever the back roads hold. In this case it’s the small community of Sawmill, Texas, where Libby’s taken a temporary job putting an antique store in order. Her new boss, Benny Taylor, a handsome charmer with a three-legged dog named Elvis, isn’t a bad change of scenery, either.

Across the street Benny’s surrogate grandmothers—the widows Minilee and Opal—are ready with homemade corn bread, sweet tea, and an invitation for Libby to join their book club. Even if it is mostly a gathering for local gossip and meddling. The ladies’ main agenda: find Benny a wife. Except Benny’s not looking, and Libby’s only passing through until she decides what direction she’s headed next.

Truth is, Sawmill is starting to feel pretty nice. Benny, even nicer. Time will tell if this meantime job in a stopover town is just what Libby’s been looking for—and where she belongs.

Happy Publication Day – 8 July 2024

Coming Home To Tuppenny Bridge By Sharon Booth

Spring has arrived in Tuppenny Bridge. Daffodils line the cobbled streets and perfume the air with the sweet smells of the season. But for Bethany Marshall, coming home unearths a past she has spent thirty years desperately trying to forget…

When Bethany learns that her estranged brother, Joseph, has died, she’s devastated. Returning home to Tuppenny Bridge is the last thing she wants to do, but she has no choice.

Making her way over the River Skimmer, rain coats the windscreen as she looks out at landscapes she hasn’t seen for over three decades. Happier times flash through her mind – birthday laughter, glimmering Christmas lights and her precious big brother, before he broke her heart. And now, with him gone, so is any hope of an apology…

To Bethany’s dismay, her childhood home, Whispering Willows, has been converted into a horse sanctuary and the house, as well as the animals, are now in her care.

Bethany has one goal in sight – sell the property before the past catches up with her. It’s not going to be easy: the house has been neglected, the stables are falling apart and then there’s Clive Browning, her brother’s best friend. His presence, at first unwanted, begins to stir up emotions in Bethany that she’s never felt before.

But just when Bethany starts to accept that there may be hope for a new beginning in Tuppenny Bridge, a shattering revelation comes to light, making Bethany question all she thought was true…

A Love Letter To Paris By Rebecca Raisin

Late at night when I wander the streets of Paris, my thoughts turn to her… How do I tell her how I feel? Perhaps, I need to show her…

The pretty little streets of Montmartre are abuzz with a rumour. Apparently a mystery matchmaker, known only as ‘Paris Cupid’, has somehow helped the city’s most famous bachelor find love.

But old-fashioned romantic Lilou is staying very quiet. She’d just wanted to set up her best friend, and to get on with her life selling whimsical old love letters, in Paris’s famous St. Ouen market.

She hadn’t imagined her little Paris Cupid project could ever have attracted so many people looking for true, heartfelt romance. Though the truth is that Lilou adores helping people find the right person. Even if her own love life is nothing short of disastrous.

But then a message arrives. And it’s just for her. Someone is in love with her. Someone who knows her secret. But they’re keeping their own identity secret too… Could it be from cheerful, talkative, flame-haired Felix? Or quiet, beautifully handsome Benoit? Or even Pascale – who drives Lilou mad every day?

After so long of helping others find their soulmate, is it time for Lilou to find love of her own in Paris herself?

Review Card & Book Review – A Christmas Consequence for the Greek By Lucy King

Mixing business with pleasure…
…leads to a festive surprise!

Booking billionaire Zander’s birthday is a triumph for caterer Mia. And the hottest thing on the menu? A scorching one-night stand! But a month later, he’s uncontactable. Mia finally ambushes him at work to reveal she’s pregnant!

Believing himself incapable of love, Zander is blindsided by his need to do better than his own absent parents. He insists Mia move in to his London penthouse, where, afraid of a deeper connection, he battles their electricity. But this Christmas, security is no longer enough for independent Mia. She wants Zander—all or nothing!

About The Author

My Review

In this book, caterer Mia finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with billionaire Zander. As they navigate their unexpected situation, Zander confronts his commitment issues and family dynamics with Mia’s help. While the book delivers the classic Harlequin Presents drama with wealthy heroes and exotic locales, Zander’s character development adds depth to the story. However, the romance between Mia and Zander feels somewhat lacking in depth, and the plot could benefit from more conflict to drive the story forward. Overall, it’s a satisfying read for fans of low-brain happy romances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 5 July 2024

It Started with a Book By Camilla Isley

When she’s ghosted by yet another Tinder match, Leighton swears off dating for life. Who needs apps and blind dates when she has the perfect-in-every-way (apart from being fictional) heroes of her beloved romance novels?

That night, Leigh finds a second-hand book on her TBR pile that transports her to the small-town of Lakeville Hills, where the heroines wear shorty-shorts and the men drink bourbon. And as Leigh drifts off to sleep, she dreams of billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, who could win a gold medal for smouldering and bicep flexing.

For a while, Leigh finds it easier to stomach misogynistic supervisors, newly coupled friends, and extravagant bridesmaid duties knowing she can return to Lakeville Hills each evening. Until one day she wakes up to find she’s brought a bit of Lakeville Hills back with her: the impossibly sexy and entirely implausible Killian St Clair is in her apartment.

Now Leigh must help Killian navigate the real world. But as she gets to know the man behind the trope, can she keep her heart safe, or does she risk falling in love with her book boyfriend in real life?