Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review- Too Hard To Resist By Olivia Spring

Sparks Fly…but with the wrong guy?

Sammie Gordon knows of The Love Hotel’s infamous reputation for making happy ever afters a reality. So when she gets her coveted invite to the hotel’s exclusive resort in Italy she’s packed her bags before she’s signed on the dotted line. What could be more perfect than sun, sea, culture and… her perfect match?

Except Sammie doesn’t get the immediate flutters of excitement when she meets her date. He may be perfect on paper, but their connection is more lukewarm than red hot passion! And when he leaves abruptly, Sammie is left alone in paradise. This is a disaster!

But The Love Hotel always goes above and beyond for their guests. And so Love Alchemist Romeo steps into the breach to keep her company on all the planned dates and intimate dinners. In a professional capacity… obviously! When sparks fly instantly, Romeo knows he’s in trouble. With a strict no-dating guests rule, Romeo has to try and keep things professional. But like magnets, Sammie and Romeo are drawn to each other. Their chemistry is forbidden and so they must, at all costs resist the temptation to cross the line…

About The Author

My Review

This story follows Sammie, a woman struggling with self-confidence after years of criticism, and Romeo, a charming Italian hotel worker who seems almost too good to be true — handsome, kind, modest, and deeply devoted to his mother. Despite constant attention from others, Romeo remains humble and sincere, making him an instantly likable hero.

Their chemistry is electric, filled with steamy moments and secret encounters that heighten both the romance and the stakes of Romeo’s job. The hotel setting adds an irresistible layer of escapism and tension.

Sammie, however, was a more complex heroine. While her confidence and boldness can be refreshing, her brashness occasionally crossed into awkward territory, especially during a few cringeworthy exchanges. Her focus on Romeo’s looks and physical appeal sometimes overshadowed the emotional depth of their relationship.

Still, the story finds its heart in the couple’s determination to hold onto their connection. With its lush Italian backdrop and passionate energy, this is a sultry, feel-good escape perfect for fans of vacation romances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Love’s Bloom By Judith Keim

Love can make even the most fragile person bloom.

Misty Owen escapes Florida and comes home to Lilac Lake following a disastrous relationship with an emotionally and physically abusive man. David Graham runs a landscaping business with his father and has created a memorial park in town for his sister who died in cancer. Kind, gentle, he is the sort of man Misty can’t help being attracted to. But until she heals from her past, how can she move forward? She knows it’s going to take someone like David to help her, but he’s content to be just friends. When gifts of flowers start to arrive with more than friendship, Misty discovers that sometimes love blooms in the sweetest ways possible.

About The Author

My Review

Misty returns home after escaping an abusive marriage in Florida, carrying deep emotional scars and constant fear that her ex may find her. Her teaching career is her anchor, and she finds solace in the familiar comfort of her sister Crystal and a tight-knit Friday night friend group.

Among them is David, a kind and steady man who runs a local landscaping business. He’s created a beautiful memorial garden in town for his sister — a space that Misty visits regularly to find peace. Though David is clearly interested in her romantically, Misty is understandably hesitant and guarded.What makes this romance so touching is the patience and respect David shows. He’s willing to move at Misty’s pace, offering quiet support rather than pressure. It’s this gentle persistence that allows Misty to consider the possibility of love again — not on someone else’s terms, but on her own.

This is a sweet, hopeful read about learning to trust again, surrounded by community and the healing power of nature. Love’s Bloom is a gentle, heartwarming story of healing, friendship, and second chances set in the charming town of Lilac Lake.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Coming Home To Sturcombe Bay By Susanne McCarthy

They were never truly over — and this time love might just get it right.

After ten years of globe-trotting, Cassie Channing returns to Sturcombe Bay to care for her ailing grandmother. Only to find herself face-to-face with Liam Ellis — the man she once loved and left behind.

Liam has moved on since the day Cassie left, or so he tells himself. A devoted single dad and respected vet, he’s built a life without her. But the moment she steps back into the village, old feelings come rushing back.

Liam’s determined to keep his distance — but the spark between them is impossible to ignore. And, as Cassie settles into village life and grows close to his daughter, staying away gets harder.

The more time Cassie and Liam spend together, the more the heat between them intensifies — but so do the unresolved tensions from the past.

With Cassie’s plane ticket booked to leave in six weeks, they both must decide if the love they never really got over is worth a second chance.

About The Author

My Review

Cassie and Liam were childhood sweethearts in the idyllic Sturcombe Bay on the South coast of Devon. They dreamed of attending university together and building a life side by side — until Cassie’s wanderlust took her away. With her Nanna’s encouragement and support, she chased her dreams abroad for a decade, leaving Liam behind.

Now, returning home to be with her ailing Nanna, Cassie is faced with emotional crossroads — including the unresolved feelings between her and Liam. He’s now a single father to the utterly lovable Robyn (a child so sweet, you’ll want to reach into the page and give her a hug). Cassie must decide whether to take a dream job managing a luxury resort in New Zealand, or finally put down roots in the place that first held her heart.

This is a beautifully written, easy-to-read story filled with well-drawn, believable characters. It’s a little schmaltzy in the best way — complete with not one but multiple weddings, a poignant funeral, steamy romantic moments, cute kids, and a few furry friends to round things out. The emotional tug-of-war between Cassie’s need for adventure and Liam’s quiet hope she’ll choose home is engaging and heartfelt.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

RevIew Card & Book Review- The Pickleball Girl Finds Her Match By Rebecca Jasmine

Endy Andrews has built a life she loves—coaching seniors, running her youth pickleball league, and keeping her heart safely out of play. But when she meets Sebastian Hall, a charming former tennis star visiting Whisper Hills Country Club, their spark is instant and undeniable.

What begins as a whirlwind romance quickly turns complicated. Sebastian’s glamorous ex returns with unfinished business, and the club’s tennis purists are out to dismantle everything Endy has worked for—including her beloved Picklers program.

With her community on the line and her heart on the verge of breaking, Endy must decide whether love is worth the risk . . . and if second chancesare real both on and off the court.

About The Author

My Review

Endy, our heroine, felt overly childlike and whimsical. Her reactions — like giggling when a car speeds up or bouncing with excitement — gave off strong “Disney princess meets Mary Poppins” vibes. While she clearly cares for the kids she teaches in her pickleball class, scenes like one where Canadian geese fly overhead and a child grabs her hand in wonder felt overly sentimental and a bit much.

Sebastian, the love interest, doesn’t really interact with Endy until nearly 20% into the book, despite them being in the same orbit multiple times. Instead of building chemistry through meaningful conversation or shared moments, the story leans heavily on telling us they’re falling for each other — not showing it. I also found it repetitive how the book kept reintroducing who Sebastian was each time he appeared.

If you enjoy light, whimsical romances with a strong fairytale feel and don’t mind a slower pace or more surface-level emotional depth, this might work for you. But personally, I found the tone overly saccharine and the romance lacking in genuine spark.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Not My Greek Wedding By Sue Roberts

She might not be the bride, but could this wedding be the start of her perfect future?

Mia is reeling from a breakup with her fiancé. And now her best friend Tasha is getting married on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini – where Mia once planned on having her own wedding.

Arriving at the resort, Mia’s breath catches at the sight of the sun-soaked terrace and vases overflowing with pink and white blooms. And with guests like local hunk, Christos, walking around like statues of Greek gods come to life, there’s even more to celebrate… so Mia promises to put her own heartache aside and make sure everything is perfect for Tasha – especially as she’s the Maid of Honour!

But with embarrassing speeches, champagne corks popping everywhere, and guests getting caught up in the energetic Greek dancing, there are too many problems to tackle alone. If she opens her heart, can Mia and Christos make sure the day runs smoothly, and could she even start her own new love story in Greece?

About The Author

My Review

This is a breezy, sun-drenched romantic comedy that delivers exactly what it promises: escapism with sparkle. Set against the postcard-perfect backdrop of Santorini, it is a light-hearted tale brimming with charm, cocktails, and second chances.

The story follows Mia, a jilted influencer still smarting from a broken engagement, as she heads to Greece to be Maid of Honour at her best friend’s wedding. The twist? It’s being held in the very place Mia once dreamed of tying the knot herself. What unfolds is a delightful mix of wedding chaos, self-discovery, and sizzling chemistry—especially with the ever-dreamy local, Christos.

There’s an intoxicating blend of humour and heart, especially in Mia’s growing relationship with her endearing grandmother, whose grounded wisdom offers a nice counterbalance to Mia’s social media–obsessed worldview. It’s about fun, healing, and finding unexpected joy. And in that respect, it shines.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop By Annabel French

One fresh start. One unexpected encounter. Can love bridge the gap?

When Rosie leaves behind her ordinary life in England to open a flower shop on Amsterdam’s water, she expects nothing less than a fairytale.

Max, her handsome but brooding new neighbour, prefers to keep the world at arm’s length – and living on the houseboat next door, he’s not too thrilled about the new company.

As Rosie’s business blossoms, so do her feelings for Max. But Rosie isn’t sure she’s ready for a relationship, and Max is still nursing a broken heart.

Then a rival in the flower market threatens her dreams, Rosie discovers that the most beautiful things can bloom when you learn to go with the flow – and allow someone to stand by your side.

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming and heartwarming story about fresh starts, friendship, and finding your place in the world. When Rosie decides to leave her old life behind and follow her dream of owning a flower shop, she finds herself in the beautiful, quirky city of Amsterdam—living on a rickety old houseboat with a rather grumpy neighbour next door. And so, her new adventure begins.

Rosie is a thoroughly likeable heroine—warm, determined, and easy to root for. From the very beginning, you find yourself willing her to succeed. The friendships she forms, particularly with Emma and Finn, are a highlight of the book. Their connection brings heart and humour, and you can sense there’s more to their stories yet to come.

While romance is part of the plot, it’s not the only focus—and that’s what makes this book special. It’s about growth, taking chances, and building something new after life has thrown you off course.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- A Place In The Sun By Jo Thomas

It’s never too late to find where you belong…

Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn’t pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she’s shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.

In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she’s beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming and uplifting story about love, loss, and finding home in unexpected places. The novel follows Thea and her two children, Luca and Aimee, as they travel to Tuscany in the wake of her husband Marco’s death. Nearly two years on, they arrive at Casa Luna—a crumbling property Marco purchased before he passed away, and a place Thea has only just found the courage to face. What unfolds is a touching journey of healing, as Thea begins to rediscover herself while restoring the house and finding her place in a close-knit Italian village. Along the way, she’s supported by a cast of vibrant characters, each bringing charm and richness to the story. The three wonderful nonnas are especially memorable, adding warmth, wisdom, and more than a few laughs. This is a lovely, feel-good read about second chances, resilience, and the bonds that hold us together.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- A Cornish Love Story By Cressida McLaughlin

The most romantic house in Cornwall has got a new owner…

Journalist Georgie Monroe has watched as it has been transformed into a high-tech glass palace, renovated by a mystery buyer.

When she’s invited to report on an event there, she comes face to face not only with her first love, architect Ethan Sparks, but also with their complicated past. Finding themselves trapped inside when the house malfunctions, Georgie realises that they — and the house — are still keeping secrets.

But have Georgie and Ethan left it too late to start again, or can they write the next chapter of their love story together?

About The Authoepr

My Review

This book follows Georgie Monroe, a journalist living in a quaint Cornish town who has long been enchanted by a beloved local author and the book series that shaped her teenage years. Now working for that very author, Georgie is asked to write a feature on the real-life house that inspired the novels—recently renovated and beautifully restored. But when she discovers who the new owner is, she’s faced with an unexpected reunion that brings back memories she thought were long buried.

Told through alternating past and present timelines, the story slowly reveals the connection between Georgie and Ethan, making their journey feel both romantic and real. Their shared history gives the novel emotional depth, while their present-day interactions add plenty of warmth and charm.

The house itself becomes a standout element in the book—its transformation mirroring the personal growth of the characters. It’s described so vividly, you can almost imagine yourself moving in and soaking up the Cornish air. With its engaging characters, a touch of mystery, and a good dose of humour, A Cornish Love Story is a light, lovely read that fans of cosy romance will no doubt enjoy.

My Rating

Link To Purchase