Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review- A Wedding Between Enemies By Lorraine Hall

Her choice:
Hate him or marry him!

Straitlaced Serena Valli didn’t expect her late father’s company to come with ruinous debts. Her strategy? Forge the merger of the century by marrying infamous rival CEO Luciano Ascione. A foolproof plan, if she can stand the maddening—and infuriatingly handsome—Italian…

Fabricating a playboy lifestyle has worked in Luciano’s favor; the world and his cruel father underestimate his every move. The pleasure he takes in vexing his alluring and steely fiancée, however, is very real. And when Serena matches his fire with her own, Luciano fears it’s not only she who’s unraveling…

About The Author

My Review

From the very first page, there’s no question that Serena and Luciano are sworn rivals—bred into hostility by the machinations of their feuding fathers. The tension between them crackles with history, pride, and deep-seated resentment, making their eventual emotional journey all the more rewarding.

When Serena proposes a marriage of convenience to save both of their crumbling family companies from a mutual threat, it sets the stage for a slow-burn transformation—one where two fiercely stubborn individuals must learn to cooperate, confront old wounds, and unearth the vulnerability beneath their hardened exteriors. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s their growth and emotional reckoning that truly stand out. As the story unfolds, the motivations behind both Serena and Luciano’s behaviors become clearer, and that emotional unraveling is what makes the story both engaging and at times, heartbreaking.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – We Both Have Secrets By Emma Robinson

What I’m about to say is going to blow our lives apart. But there’s nothing else for it. I’ve tried so hard to keep it from you, not wanting to cause you pain. But I can’t hide it any longer. You deserve the truth. But I don’t know if there’s any coming back from this. And I’m terrified you won’t ever forgive me…

There’s nothing as strong as a mother’s love. As I watch my youngest daughter stride into her new life as a student, a sob catches in my throat. It feels like only yesterday that my two precious girls were playing together without a care in the world. I sacrificed so much to give them the life they deserved and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Looking at my husband Robert, tears in his eyes, I realise just how far we’ve come. Our daughters have flown the nest and now it’s time to re-kindle our own flame. So, when our long-lost friend Lucy invites us to her Spanish villa, I jump at the chance.

But when we arrive, instead of it being a romantic break, Robert begins to pull away from me. His conversation is muted, he goes for long walks on the beach alone and then I find a crumpled note on the bedside table and Robert has vanished.

In that moment, my entire world shatters. My husband has been keeping a devastating secret from me. But in order to find out just how much it will destroy our family, I will have to reveal something that I too have kept hidden. And once my own secret is out, will my family ever forgive me for what I did?

About The Author

My Review

This book centering on Ellen and Robert, a couple navigating the quiet after their children have flown the nest. With their newfound freedom comes unexpected tension—Ellen suspects Robert is hiding something, and her discovery of a cryptic note only deepens her unease. But Ellen isn’t innocent either; she’s harboring a secret that could unravel their decades-long marriage. The characters are deeply relatable—flawed, loving, and layered—making the emotional stakes feel authentic. Themes of trust, vulnerability, and the enduring strength of love are woven throughout in a warm, engaging style.

Heartfelt and grounded, We Both Have Secrets is a beautifully written exploration of marriage, midlife, and the hidden truths that shape us. It’s a moving story of second chances and rediscovering each other when it matters most.

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Review Card & Book Review- No More Yesterdays By Catherine Bybee

Taking over her late father’s company was never part of Alex Stone’s life plan.

But now, sitting in the CEO chair at Stone Enterprises, she’s resigned to living her life alone. Being a high-powered, billionaire woman tends to narrow one’s romantic prospects. As Alex works relentlessly to reshape her inherited hotel empire, she’s acquired a target on her back complete with death threats.

Alex turns to Hawk Bronson, a man who is equal parts bodyguard, sexy, and completely infuriating. Especially when it comes to protecting her.

As the danger escalates, Hawk comes to terms with the fact that their connection goes way beyond bodyguard and assignment. He knows he should keep his distance—his own dark past and nightmares put her at greater risk—but he can’t walk away. Protecting Alex means everything. Putting her life in someone else’s care isn’t an option once he’s tasted their passion and depth of his feelings.

As they navigate a minefield of family secrets, past pain, and unexpected hope, Alex and Hawk must face their deepest fears and fight for a future together. But first, they’ll need to unmask whoever is behind the threats—before Alex becomes their next victim.

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of this installment is the magnetic love story between Hawk Bronson, a seasoned bodyguard with Private Security Specialists, and Alexandrea “Alex” Stone, a sharp, capable CEO stepping into her late father’s shoes at the helm of a billion-dollar empire. Their chemistry is instant, their banter endlessly entertaining, and their emotional connection feels both natural and earned. From playful snowball fights in Colorado to heart-to-heart conversations under pressure, their relationship builds with authenticity and heat.

The plot is both engaging and layered, blending corporate intrigue, family legacy, and a steady build of romantic tension. After a suspicious reception invite ends in a threatening encounter, Alex becomes the target of a series of escalating threats. Hawk’s role as her protector turns personal, and as danger looms, their bond deepens. What follows is a thrilling blend of romance and mystery, complete with FBI investigations, corporate secrets, and a chilling plot twist that puts Alex’s life on the line.

The sibling dynamics between Alex, Chase, and Max are heartwarming, often funny, and refreshingly real. Their journey from grief and confusion to unity and purpose is a highlight of the series. Longtime readers will also appreciate the satisfying arcs for beloved characters, including Piper and Chase’s wedding and Max and Sarah’s engagement. No More Yesterdays is everything about strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, high stakes, and an unforgettable love story.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Puck Stops Here By Rachael Stewart

Karma comes to play…

When journalist Astrid Sinclair meets her kindred spirits at a snowed-in airport, she knows she’s found her ride-or-die circle—women with a lot to love and an ex they’d sooner hate. But hating’s no fun, karma is! So they hatch a plan to go after one another’s ex…

Astrid’s target? NHL superstar Aiden Carter—the man who traded his childhood sweetheart for the bright lights of fame, tearing her new BFF’s heart in two. Astrid’s plan? For the punishment to fit the crime!

Armed with killer heels, sexy specs, and an all access press pass, Astrid infiltrates the New York Titans as a journalist writing an exclusive exposé on Aiden and his twin brother, Blake. She’s got the charm, the wit, and all the right moves to get under Aiden’s skin. But there’s a snag—brooding, maddeningly irresistible Blake keeps getting in her way.

Astrid is here to break a heart, not lose her own. But when sparks fly with the wrong twin, she’s playing a dangerously different game…

About The Author

My Review

Astrid and Blake’s chemistry had just the right amount of slow burn and spice to keep me hooked from start to finish. The setup—a woman scorned plotting a little karmic payback—felt fun, sassy, and full of emotional tension. It’s the kind of premise that can go either way, but Stewart handles it with wit and warmth, letting the story unfold in a way that’s both satisfying and entertaining.

What really won me over was how easily digestible this book was, without being shallow. As a sleep-deprived mom of five, I don’t take “one more chapter” lightly—but I tore through this in under 24 hours. The characters felt real, relatable, and delightfully imperfect. You want everyone to get their happily ever after, and that emotional investment is a testament to Stewart’s character development.

Despite those minor quibbles, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good romance that left me smiling—and curious about what’s to come next. The hint of a continuing story was well-placed and has me eager to see what Rachael Stewart brings us in future installments.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, low-angst romance with heart and heat, The Puck Stops Here is a great pick. Just be prepared for a bit of British flair in an otherwise all-American love story.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Fix-Up By Sarah M. Peterson

Ellie should probably have listened to the part where inheriting her house came with a hot, grumpy stranger and six months to figure it all out…

Ellie Sterns is a twenty-eight-year-old single mother who only ever seems to date seriously questionable men. But she’s just inherited both a home and thriving café, so life is looking up. The catch? Only half belongs to Ellie—the other half goes to the previous owner’s grandson. Gilbert Dalton may be absurdly handsome, but his frown never wavers and he has a chip on his shoulder the size of a small country.

Ellie would happily spend the rest of her life avoiding him, but to claim their inheritance, they must first live on the property together for six months. For Ellie, the house and the café are her future. For Gil, they’re part of a past he wants nothing to do with. She wants to stay, he is determined to sell. Will they be able to decide what comes next without going to war with Ellie’s whisk and Gil’s toolbelt for weapons?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers around Ellie, Gil, and little Ollie, a trio that felt so vivid and authentic, it was as though I was living alongside them. Their chemistry, individual struggles, and growth were beautifully written, making it genuinely difficult to say goodbye when the last page turned. Even the secondary characters shone brightly, adding warmth, humor, and depth to the story without ever overshadowing the central romance.

Emotionally, this book is a journey. The author manages to blend heartbreak and healing with laugh-out-loud humor so seamlessly that I often found myself in tears—sometimes from sadness, other times from sheer joy. The story doesn’t rely on spice or drama to engage the reader. Instead, it leans into emotional resonance, wit, and heart, making it a standout clean romance that still delivers all the feels.

A particularly charming touch is how each chapter begins with a quote from a child explaining what love means to them. These little gems were not only adorable but also thematically spot-on, reflecting the emotional nuances of the characters’ journeys.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Island Of Hopes And Dreams By Kate Frost

When the beginning of the end is just the start…✨

Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life, and she knows something has to change.

With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.

Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.

With the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.

Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Lola, newly single and skeptical about love, who travels to Sardinia for her best friend Mirabel’s wedding. Surrounded by couples and picture-perfect lives, Lola feels like an outsider—until she meets Rhys, the groom’s best friend, who’s also craving a break from the pressure. Together, they agree to fake a relationship to keep everyone at bay—but their connection soon begins to feel very real.

Although the fake-dating setup is well-trodden territory, Frost makes it fresh with well-drawn characters and emotional nuance. Lola’s personal journey—shaped by past trauma, self-doubt, and the discomfort of watching others seemingly have it all—is handled with honesty and care. Rhys isn’t just a romantic interest; he’s given his own backstory and depth, making their growing bond believable and rewarding.

For anyone navigating their thirties and feeling out of step with those around them, Lola’s experience will feel especially relevant. The book also gently highlights the value of open, honest conversations and how much we all benefit from connection and vulnerability. A delightful, thoughtful romance full of heart, humor, and scenic charm—perfect for readers who enjoy emotional journeys with a satisfying, hopeful ending.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 20 October 2025

Canapés At The Beach House Hotel By Judith Keim

A surprising turn of events awaits Ann and Rhonda…

When Vice-President Amelia Swanson asks them to oversee a stay at the hotel by the Italian Ambassador to the United Nations in New York City and his family, Ann and Rhonda hope this won’t mean another problem for The Beach House Hotel. Enrico Ferrara, his wife, Catarina, and his daughter, Philippa, arrive at the hotel at the same time a young chef, Chet Waring, and a friend, Harper Lewis, seek employment at the hotel after being unfairly booted from the Miami restaurant scene by a notorious, difficult chef. The same chef, Jonny Arno, is opening an Italian restaurant close to The Beach House Hotel to compete directly with them. All of these people, and a few more, come together to create a recipe for danger, love, and loyalty.

The Spiced Cocoa Cafe By Harper Graham

A new girl in town who lives for Christmas and has everything to prove. A local rival with tousled dark hair and a smirk that spells trouble. Who will win the holiday showdown of the year? Find out in this totally addictive small-town romance! Gilmore Girls + spice = 🔥

Cassidy is finally opening her dream chocolate shop, inspired by her dear Grandma who made the best cocoa. Now all she wants for Christmas is to win best decorated store and show she belongs in the small-town of Maple Falls. But she’ll have to pull out all the stops to beat the handsome, loveable grinch across the street…

Liam hates the holidays—they remind him of past heartbreak. But to support his family’s llama sanctuary, he’s determined to deck out his farm shop in holiday cheer and win that prize. Then he sees her—chocolate-smeared cheeks, wide blue eyes and the warmest smile. He’s up against the cutest, most Christmas-obsessed person ever…

Their rivalry heats up as the town divides between Team Cassidy and Team Liam. But with the snowflakes falling and their stores looking all merry and bright, will the magic of the season bring them together?

Clued In To Love By Ellie Alexander

When her hometown launches a holiday scavenger hunt with a life-changing cash prize, Marissa Henry jumps at the chance to save her fledgling business—until she’s partnered with the most gorgeous but infuriating man in town.

Marissa’s catering company is her passion project but it’s swiftly turning into a financial disaster. With bills piling up and her culinary dreams crumbling faster than aged cheddar, she’s determined to win the prize money.

There’s just one problem: she’s been paired with William Graff, who wrecked her carefully curated display when she catered his wealthy family’s party and who she’s convinced is an entitled jerk. But as they race through holiday challenges, from Christmas light chaos to competitive snowman-creation, Marissa discovers there’s more to William than his trust fund and his ugly holiday sweater collection.

Soon Marissa has something new to fight for: a chance at an unexpected romance that could really change her life.

Review Card & Book Review- Falling In Love At Pennycress Inn By Sarah Hope

Is this just a summer romance or could it be more? 💕

Nicola grew up at Pennycress Inn, in the beautiful Cotswold village of Meadowfield, and now she’s come full circle by landing a job there. After a difficult few months, she’s happy to be back in the place she loves and calls home.

The whole village is looking forward to the annual summer carnival, and Nicola is charged with asking the local farmers to lend their tractors and trailers for the occasion. It’s an easy task – until she meets the new owner of Little Mead Farm, who stubbornly refuses to help.

On sabbatical from his City job for the summer, Charlie wants to do up his late uncle’s farm and put it on the market as soon as possible. The place might have been in his family for generations but country life is simply not for him. He has no time for whatever the villagers are up to.

When Nicola and Charlie meet, sparks fly – and unexpected feelings grow. Soon there’s more at stake in Meadowfield than the success of the carnival. But whatever happens between them, this is just a summer romance… isn’t it?

About The Author

My Review

Nicola is a wonderful heroine—kind-hearted, resilient, and deeply connected to her hometown of Meadowfield. After a painful breakup with her cheating fiancé, she throws herself into her job at the lovely Pennycress Inn and volunteers to help with the annual carnival. Enter Charlie, the grumpy newcomer who’s inherited his uncle’s rundown farm and has zero plans to stick around. He’s all sharp edges at first, but once his walls begin to crumble, he reveals such a thoughtful and gentle side. I really liked Charlie—his transformation felt genuine, and the chemistry between him and Nicola was sweet and satisfying.

Nicola’s ex continues to cause drama (honestly, what nerve!), but she handles it with grace. It’s her generous spirit and deep love for her friends and the community that make her so endearing. I also adored side characters like Trixie and Claudette—not to mention the hens, who somehow added even more charm!

The small-town setting of Meadowfield and the warm, close-knit community make this book such a feel-good escape.

My Rating

Link to Purchase