Maddie Whittle is done with heartbreak — or so she tells herself. Six years after losing her beloved brother, she’s transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, the stakes are high and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm brings her face to face with James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more dangerous: hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined by love.
Can Freya fix Jake’s reputation without losing her heart?
Assistant literary agent Freya Harrison never thought her chance at a big break would look like this: at a swanky romance conference in New York, managing the agency’s most insufferable client.
Sure, Jake Richards is a global best-selling author, adored by all his fans. But on meeting him, Freya finds him arrogant, condescending, and, worst of all, a complete phony.
After being overheard calling romance ‘easy money’ and his readers ‘fools’, Jake’s reputation is tanking. And it’s Freya’s job to clean up the mess – and maybe, finally prove her worth to her boss.
But with Jake one slip away from another PR disaster, doubts are starting to set in. Can she survive this week without losing her mind – or her heart?
This book presents an intriguing premise—a disgraced romance author forced to face the very genre he disparaged, alongside a romance-loving assistant with publishing ambitions. Jake Richards, a bestselling author, finds his career in jeopardy after a careless comment goes public, and Freya, his agent’s assistant, is thrust into the awkward role of escorting him to a romance conference. Sparks and friction naturally follow as opposites are thrown together in a setting designed for love.
There’s an appealing enemies-to-lovers thread, a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the publishing world, and a heroine who believes in love but hasn’t quite found her own yet. However, the execution doesn’t quite live up to the potential. The age difference between Jake and Freya is repeatedly mentioned, but it’s not explored in any meaningful way, and other character contrasts also feel surface-level.
While the plot has charm, the writing often feels basic, with some key elements—like character development—underdeveloped. Surprisingly, a secondary character, Davis, ends up more dimensional and engaging than the leads. It’s a story that has heart and promise, but it could have used a bit more polish to truly shine.
Melanie knows she’s been running away… But maybe there really is no place like home 🌈
For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most – her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.
When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she’s been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.
Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.
And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain? 🌧️☀️
Mel and Flynn’s journey is moving and authentic, with no shortcuts taken when it comes to exploring grief, healing, and love. The author delves into the inner workings of Mel’s mind with incredible sensitivity, making her pain over the loss of her son profoundly relatable. Her coping mechanism—running—feels raw and genuine, and the story challenges the notion that time alone heals wounds.
Mel’s gradual awakening to the truth that she hasn’t truly moved on is both painful and inspiring. Her courage to confront the past, accept her mistakes, and open up is powerful. And Flynn is the heart of this story’s hope—steadfast, patient, and endlessly compassionate. His quiet devotion is a beautiful example of enduring love.
The secondary storyline, including the renovation project and Alice’s recovery from her own trauma, adds even more emotional depth. The friendship that grows between Mel and Alice is especially touching, showing how healing often comes through connection.
This installment in the series is a standout—emotional, honest, and ultimately uplifting. A must-read for fans of stories that tackle loss and love with grace and realism.
Spencer has spent his life by Princess Lyra’s side. As the best friend of her four brothers and the son of the king’s most trusted advisor, everyone assumes he’ll one day claim her heart. He’s always believed it, too.
But when a new romance unexpectedly shakes his world, Spencer starts to wonder if Lyra was ever his destiny.
Heartbroken and determined to move on, Lyra makes a dramatic choice—becoming the next Suitorette on a high-stakes reality dating show, ready to pick her future husband from twenty-five suitors.
Spencer has one last chance to prove they belong together. But is he willing to take the risk before Lyra gives her heart away for good?
This is a charming, clean romance that blends the brother’s best friend and royalty tropes with a delightful twist of reality TV. In this installment, Holly Kerr lightens the emotional load compared to earlier books in the series, making for a more relaxed and feel-good read.
Spencer is adorably oblivious to his own feelings, which makes his slow realization all the more satisfying. Lyra, meanwhile, steps into the spotlight as the featured contestant on The Suitorette, meeting a parade of potential matches. Yet none can hold a candle to Spencer, even if neither of them can quite admit it. Their long-standing connection, forged through years of shared events and hidden emotions, keeps readers rooting for them.
The fictional country of Laandia and its royal family continue to shine as a rich and cozy backdrop for the series. This is a well-written and thoroughly enjoyable addition, perfect for fans of sweet, royal love stories.
At the ripe (and fabulous) age of 64, Joanna Dawson finds herself seeking a new adventure. Her husband, Greg, has run off with a TBT (thin, blonde, trollop, obviously), her kids have flown the nest, and her social calendar is emptier than her wine rack.
As Jo’s 65th birthday looms, she’s left wondering: Is this it?
Enter Susie, her best friend, with an offer Jo can’t quite refuse: an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to honour their late friend Ellen. Jo’s not sure she wants to go all the way to Italy, but with nothing else to do and if only to make Susie happy, she agrees. A holiday is a holiday after all.
Capri is even more gorgeous than Jo imagined and soon she and Susie are having the time of their life, especially as Jo is reunited with her dashing first love, Paulo. The one who, most definitely, got away…
Things might have fizzled with Paulo decades ago, but in the land of sun, pasta, and far too much wine, Jo begins to wonder: Could this be her second chance at life…and amore?
This is a wonderfully uplifting and life-affirming story that celebrates friendship, fresh starts, and the enduring magic of romance—no matter your age. Maddie Please whisks readers away to the stunning shores of Capri with Jo and Susie, two women rediscovering joy and purpose in the most delightful way.
After years of routine, Jo and Susie take a leap into the unknown with a sun-drenched escape that quickly becomes more than just a getaway. What unfolds is a charming blend of laughter, healing, and unexpected romance, all wrapped in the beauty and warmth of Italy. Paulo and his eccentric family bring added charm and hilarity, keeping the story lively and full of heart.
The author’s writing shines with humor, compassion, and a deep understanding of women at midlife who are ready to embrace the next chapter. Perfect for fans of feel-good fiction with mature heroines, The Dolce Vita Divas is a joyful celebration of love, friendship, and second chances.
Midwife Pippa has sworn off romance. She tried the marriage-and-children path once, and it was devastating. So she’s stunned by the ferocity of her attraction to the head of department, Lachlan! And as they bond over their mutual avoidance of commitment, the flames between them only burn brighter. Giving birth to the “three-date rule”! Three dates, no expectations—then they return to being friends and coworkers. But you know what they say about best-laid plans… Because it’s soon clear that Pippa and Lachlan’s chemistry threatens to tempt them into breaking their relationship rules…
This is a tender and emotionally layered friends-to-lovers romance that delivers heart, depth, and real-life stakes. Pippa, a midwife guarding her heart after a painful divorce, and Lachlan, a doctor burdened by the fear of a hereditary disease, are both commitment-averse. Their mutual attraction leads to a no-strings-attached “three-date rule,” a seemingly safe arrangement—until an unexpected pregnancy forces them to confront their deepest fears and desires.
Roberts does a brilliant job exploring vulnerability, choice, and the courage it takes to embrace love when the future is uncertain. Pippa and Lachlan’s chemistry is undeniable, and their emotional growth throughout the story feels both authentic and rewarding.
This is a wonderful pick for fans of workplace romances with real emotional stakes, rich character development, and a satisfying blend of romance and realism.
Rowan’s romance with Princess Isabella came to a crashing halt when he was forced to end their engagement. Now a self-made billionaire, he’s handed a second chance at happily-ever-after…when he spots her sneaking out of an exclusive party—right into the paparazzi’s view! To prevent their photo causing a worldwide scandal, they must work together to avoid it being released. Quickly, they’re reminded of all the reasons they never stopped loving each other. But will they also be reminded of why she shouldn’t wear his ring again?
This is a delightfully romantic second-chance story packed with royal charm, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt emotion. When billionaire Rowan crosses paths with his former fiancée, Princess Isabella, sparks fly—and not just because they’re trying to dodge scandal. Their unexpected reunion forces them to confront the unresolved feelings and misunderstandings that tore them apart. What follows is a journey of personal growth, rekindled passion, and learning to fight for love despite royal expectations and public scrutiny.
Isabella is a strong, relatable heroine who learns to assert her desires, while Rowan is both swoon-worthy and emotionally grounded. Their dynamic is electric, and their character arcs feel earned and satisfying.
This is a perfect pick for fans of royal romances, second chances, and stories where love wins out against the odds.
They’ll risk everything to bring a killer to light
Rookie FBI agent Skylar Gambel and police detective Jake Armstrong both had their lives shaped by the Lightkeeper Murders. Now, twenty years later, a new serial killer called the Shadowkeeper has emerged from foggy obscurity. Are the deaths the work of a new murderer, simply an evolved one…or a curse? Skylar is determined to crack the case, even as she fights her hidden phobias and her attraction to Jake. But when she is kidnapped along with the killer’s next victim, Jake vows to silence the violent slayer once and for all.
About The Author
My Review
This is a gripping romantic suspense that masterfully blends past trauma with present danger, delivering a twisty, emotionally satisfying story. Cassie Miles weaves a tightly plotted mystery with just the right amount of romance and intrigue.
At its core, the novel explores the long shadow of a tragic murder spree—the Lightkeeper killings—which continues to haunt Skylar, Jake, and a web of others two decades later. When a new murder mirrors those past crimes, old wounds resurface and a chilling copycat emerges, drawing everyone back to the scene of the original trauma.
The story jumps straight into the action, offering a compelling whodunit filled with red herrings and layered characters. Skylar and Jake’s relationship unfolds naturally amid the tension, culminating in a heartwarming conclusion full of hope, love, and new beginnings.
True to the Harlequin Intrigue style, this novel checks every box: suspense, emotional depth, satisfying romance, and a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning. A strong addition to the genre and a great pick for fans of second chances and tightly woven mysteries.
High school guidance counselor Nora Jenkins has her hands full. Her new student, Ivy Ryman, has been wreaking havoc at Oakland High and has occupied all of Nora’s work hours. With his busy schedule, music producer Blaze Ryman can’t get a handle on his daughter. But Nora has a soft spot for the girl who’s lost her mother and is now living with her mega-famous father.
When summer break finally arrives, Nora packs up and heads for the turquoise Gulf Coast to soak in the sparkling surf and sip on cocktails until she falls asleep, wrapped in sunlight on the warm beach.
She’s just about to get her wish. Until Ivy and her father unexpectedly show up at her beachfront doorstep.
This is a heartwarming, uplifting story that blends emotional depth with feel-good summer vibes. It is a charming narrative filled with hope, personal growth, and the power of unexpected connections.
Nora Jenkins, a dedicated high school guidance counselor, is instantly relatable with her caring nature and deep commitment to her students. Her much-needed escape to the Gulf Coast quickly turns into something more complicated—and more meaningful—when Blaze Ryman and his rebellious daughter Ivy show up uninvited. What unfolds is a tender, slow-burn story about second chances, healing, and opening your heart in unexpected places. The chemistry between Nora and Blaze is warm and believable, while Ivy’s transformation adds a touching layer of emotional payoff.
This is a wonderful summer read—hopeful, sincere, and cinematic in its appeal. Perfect for fans of Hallmark-style romance with a little more emotional weight.
A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.
Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show ‘Luxe Life Swap’, but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life. The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however. But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.
Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years. Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband. Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?
About The Author
My Review
This is a warm, heartfelt story about second chances, friendship, and rediscovery. It follows Natalie, a TV presenter sent to Venice for a new show, only to find her past — including a painful teenage betrayal — resurfacing in unexpected ways. Reuniting with her former best friend Cathy, Natalie is given a rare opportunity to heal old wounds and embrace new beginnings.
What sets this novel apart is its authenticity. Victoria Springfield captures Venice not through clichés, but with a deep love and respect for its art, architecture, traditions, and unique spirit. Every detail feels carefully researched and lovingly described, painting a vivid and genuine portrait of the city. Rich with emotion, friendship, and the timeless magic of Venice, One Summer in Italy is a beautiful, satisfying read.
My Sanctuary 