Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review – The Unexpected Family Man By Alexis Morgan

A substitute family…

Or a second chance at forever?

Between running his family’s bar, volunteer firefighting and becoming guardian of his late best friend’s son, Shay Barnaby barely has time to sleep. Thank goodness for Carli Walsh, the administrator at Luca’s school. Carli finds herself helping the grieving little boy adjust to his new world—and marveling at how quickly the three of them feel like a family. But after a previous marriage built on lies, Carli needs the real thing. Can Shay prove he’s not just looking for a substitute mother to Luca but a love that lasts a lifetime?

About The Author

My Review

Shay Barnaby has his hands full running his family’s bar, volunteering as a firefighter, and now raising Luca, the son of his late best friend. Struggling to balance his new responsibilities, he finds unexpected support in Carli Walsh, the caring administrator at Luca’s school. As Carli helps Luca adjust, she and Shay form a close bond, and soon, the three of them start to feel like a family.

However, Carli has been hurt before—her previous marriage was built on lies, and she refuses to settle for anything less than real love. Shay must prove that he isn’t just looking for a substitute mother for Luca but a lasting partner. Can they overcome their pasts and build a future together?

This touching and uplifting romance explores themes of love, trust, and second chances, with heartfelt moments and emotional depth.

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Review Card & Book Review – What Happens At The Beach … By Rachael Stewart

TEMPTATION UNDER THE SUMMER SUN…

After her home and livelihood are demolished by developers, Fae agrees to house- and dog-sit for her wealthy stepsister in Bondi Beach. A fish out of water in this glamorous setting, Fae has her guard up when she encounters gorgeous neighbor Rick and his adorable Great Dane. But the philanthropic billionaire quickly challenges her perceptions, and their intense chemistry explodes into a passionate—but strictly temporary—flirtation. Because it’s clear Rick doesn’t trust easily, and Fae could never truly belong in his affluent world—could she? Yet it’s increasingly hard to imagine their trysts ever ending!

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that beautifully develops between Fae and Rick. Their chemistry is undeniable, but unlike other Rachael Stewart books, their connection grows gradually, based on trust and understanding rather than just physical attraction. The story is filled with swoon-worthy moments that will melt your heart.

Fae, having lost her job, home, and sense of self, finds refuge when her step-sister asks her to dog-sit while away on her honeymoon. It’s the perfect opportunity for Fae to take a step back and figure out her future. Meanwhile, her first meeting with Rick—entangled dog leads and all—adds humor and charm to their budding romance.

The novel is filled with warmth, laughter, and lovable dogs, making it an irresistible read. While Rick’s ex-fiancée and Fae’s father may be frustrating characters, the overall story is an absolute delight.

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Review Card & Book Review- Best Friends For Never By Teagan Hunter

Parker Pruitt’s dream is to restore her small town’s long-shuttered theater—one to be named in honor of Noel Carter, the boy who followed his dream from Emerald Grove, Washington, to Hollywood…and broke Parker’s heart. Now he’s back to attend the kickoff ceremony, and for Parker, that means smiling through a swell of mixed emotions at seeing her former best friend for the first time in a decade.

Noel may be one of the hottest actors in the world, but he’s still touched by the tribute. And a little nervous about seeing Parker again. But when his weekend jaunt extends into a six-week stay, long-repressed memories and feelings come rushing back. As the simmering attraction between them builds, Noel is determined not to ruin this second chance even if his return to LA is hanging over them.

They’re making the best of the time they have left, but is there any chance of a Hollywood ending?

About The Author

My Review

This is a small-town, second-chance romance set in Washington. Parker and Noel, childhood best friends turned first loves, parted ways when Noel pursued acting in LA while Parker stayed behind. A decade later, they reunite in their hometown of Emerald Grove for a theater renovation project, rekindling their deep, undeniable connection.

With a charming, Gilmore Girls-esque setting, the novel blends nostalgia, romance, and low-angst storytelling. Noel is a refreshingly likable celebrity hero, and the chemistry between him and Parker is both swoon-worthy and heartfelt. A perfect, feel-good read for romance lovers.

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Review Card & Book Review – Summer Secrets At Duck Pond Cottage By Della Galton

Can love conquer all?

Jade and Finn are idyllically happy in their little corner of rural Wiltshire. A rescue centre jampacked with animals keeps them super busy. With Finn’s art going from strength to strength, Jade can’t believe they’re living the dream until an arrogant property developer with questionable motives jeopardises their perfect lives and the future plans of the rescue centre.

Jade and Finn both have trust issues and they’ve promised there’ll be no more secrets. But keeping promises is harder than either of them imagined, especially where Finn’s past is concerned.

Living with Mr Spock the potty-mouthed parrot and Mickey the dog who barks at TV baddies there’s never a dull moment at Duck Pond Rescue. But will the humans get their ‘happy-ever-after’ too?
Can they lay the ghosts of the past to rest and find a bright new future together?

About The Author

My Review

This heartwarming novel follows Finn and Jade, an engaged couple juggling wedding planning, their bustling animal sanctuary, and their busy daily lives. Finn, an aspiring artist, gets a chance to make it big, while Jade hopes to acquire neighboring land to expand Duck Pond Cottage. However, both face unexpected challenges—personally and professionally—that could change everything.

This was a charming and quick read, perfect for a vacation or a relaxing afternoon. While the story was fairly low-key, it kept me engaged with just enough twists and turns to hold my interest. Finn and Jade’s relationship was lovely to follow, and I enjoyed seeing how they navigated their daily challenges together. Their interactions with others added warmth and depth, making the book even more enjoyable.

Overall, this is a cozy, feel-good read, perfect for those who enjoy light, low-stakes romance with an established couple working through life together. If you’re looking for an easygoing story with a touch of drama but no heavy tension, this book is a great choice.

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Review Card & Book Review – To Save My Daughters By Louise Guy

I loved him… but I loved my daughters more. I knew what I had to do. I had to protect them.

When June Marlow was arrested for the murder of her husband nearly thirty years ago, she feared she would never see her daughters again.

Terrorised by the man who claimed to love her, and too ashamed and humiliated to admit to years of abuse, June was found guilty, despite her claim that she’d acted in self-defence.

Now as June’s release date nears, while apprehensive about re-entering society, she’s excited to be reunited with her girls. But the little girls she left behind are now grown up, and while Lu is desperate for June’s homecoming, longing to feel her mother’s arms around her once again, her sister, Cole feels differently. She was there that night. And even though she was only ten years old, she has never forgiven her mother for what she did.

It’s meant to be a reunion. But the truths of the past have a way of finding their way to the surface; and June is harbouring more devastating secrets; secrets she prays will never be revealed.

Is a family wracked by lies and trauma about to find healing, or will it be destroyed forever?

About The Author

My Review

This powerful and emotionally raw story explores a mother’s unwavering love and sacrifice for her children while shedding light on the struggles of those in abusive relationships.

After years of suffering, June Marlow kills her husband in self-defense but lacks the evidence to prove it. Now, twenty years later, as she nears her release from prison, her daughters, Luella and Nicole, are forced to confront the trauma of that night and the lasting impact on their lives. Lu, an artist, channels her pain into her work, while Nicole, a trauma therapist, helps others but struggles with her own unresolved emotions. Nicole, who has no memory of the night their father died, resents her mother for breaking their family apart. However, when she counsels a young girl with a similar past, she begins to process her own experiences.

The heartfelt ending focuses on healing, resilience, and the power of family coming together after tragedy.

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Review Card & Book Review – Escape To The French Riviera By Helga Jensen

Can Lucy find her second-chance romance in the glamour of the French Riviera?

When aspiring author Lucy attends a rich friend’s 50th birthday party in glamorous Monaco, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever.

Heartsore after a broken marriage, she is not looking for love so when she meets Elias, and he offers to take her sailing on his employer’s boat, she agrees only as research for the book she desperately wants to write. They bond over their adult children – who seem to want to clip their wings and force them into living like pensioners – and the chemistry is undeniable.

But is he all he seems? And is she ready to trust again?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Lucy, an aspiring author who attends a wealthy friend’s 50th birthday party in Monaco. Still healing from a broken marriage, she isn’t looking for love. However, when she meets Elias, a charming man who invites her sailing on his employer’s boat, she agrees—seeing it as an opportunity for book research rather than romance. As they spend time together, they bond over their adult children, who seem intent on limiting their independence. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Lucy soon questions whether Elias is truly who he seems. More importantly, is she ready to open her heart again?

Jensen delivers a heartwarming and engaging later-in-life romance with well-developed, relatable characters. Lucy is an inspiring protagonist, and her journey—both as a writer and someone learning to trust again—feels authentic. The romance with Elias is written realistically, highlighting the challenges of dating with adult children in the picture. The setting in the French Riviera adds a rich, atmospheric backdrop, and the novel’s balance of humor, warmth, and heartfelt moments makes it an enjoyable read. Fans of uplifting, second-chance romances will appreciate this compelling and beautifully told story.

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Review Card & Book Review – Revenge Puck By L.A. Hart

After Elle Townsend is dumped by her hockey star boyfriend Christian Riley on the eve of the championship playoffs, she devises a plan for sweet revenge—a fake romance with Christian’s arch-rival.

Preston Lawrence takes his hockey career very seriously because brawling on the ice is the only thing he’s good at. With the championship trophy and his contract extension on the line, he needs to figure out a way to control his temper that always flares and gets him ejected whenever he faces his rival. So, when a heartbroken blonde asks Preston for a photo with him to try to make Christian jealous, he raises the stakes.

Known for avoiding the spotlight, Preston kisses Elle in front of a crowd of sports reporters, certain the video will go viral. Their “fake” kiss felt a little too real for Elle and Preston. It looks real to Christian too, who goes ballistic when he sees Elle in the stands wearing Preston’s jersey, and holding up a sign that insults the size of Christian’s “stick.” Infuriating Christian helps Preston keep his head in the game so his team could win game one of four.

That’s why he suggests to Elle that they keep up their charade through the championships. Christian and Preston have a complicated history.

Their rivalry intensifies further when they begin to fight over Elle. As Elle and Preston grow closer, secrets unravel, causing Elle to question if Preston’s feelings are genuine or just a part of his revenge plot against Christian.

Will Preston be able to convince Elle that his feelings for her are real, or will Christian find a way to win her back?

About The Author

My Review

After being dumped by her hockey-player boyfriend, Elle seeks revenge by taking a photo with his biggest rival, Preston. When Preston escalates things by kissing her in front of the press, their fake dating scheme takes off. As Preston plays his best game ever, he convinces Elle to keep up the act—but soon, real feelings develop. Now, Elle must figure out if Preston truly cares for her or if it’s still about getting back at her ex.

This is a fun, fast-paced hockey romance with humor, chemistry, and a bit of drama. While the fake dating setup starts off immature, the story improves as their relationship deepens. Some of Preston’s behavior toward Elle and other women is frustrating, but overall, this is an enjoyable, light read—perfect for when you want something quick and entertaining.

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