Happy Publication Day – 2 July 2025

A Cornish Winter’s Kiss By Jo Bartlett

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…isn’t it?

Emily Anderson adores romance—both in books and in real life (though her own love life is more ‘tragic subplot’ than ‘happily-ever-after’). As an audiobook narrator, she spends her days bringing love stories to life, convinced that one day, her own perfect romance will come true.

Jude Cavendish thinks romance is a fairy tale for fools. A crime author with a serious case of writer’s block, he’s horrified when his publisher asks him to add a love story to his latest novel. He knows murders, mysteries, and mayhem—not grand gestures and stolen kisses.

Desperate for help, Jude reluctantly turns to Emily, whose sunshine personality is the complete opposite of his grumpy cynicism. She’s determined to show him that love is more than just fiction, and he’s determined to prove her wrong. But as Christmas magic sparkles over the Cornish coast, Jude starts to wonder… what if Emily’s right?

Could the festive season bring them both the plot twist they never saw coming?

Review Card & Book Review – The Reunion By Beth Reekles

A “spirited romance novel” —Foreward Reviews

Ten years after graduating, the class of 2014 are back at Tisdale Comprehensive for the reunion, packed into a school gym full of familiar faces—and plenty of new secrets.

MOST LIKELY TO END UP TOGETHER – Shaun and Steph were each other’s first love. Now, they’re settled and planning the perfect wedding— to other people. Could reconnecting spark a new romance?

MOST LIKELY TO BECOME FAMOUS – Bryony was supposed to travel the world, rule the West End, have a dazzling career as a TV actress… Now, she’s a drama teacher who’s exaggerated her whole life on Instagram, and is desperate to save face.

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED – Hayden was told he’d achieve great things, like be on the cover of TIME, win a Nobel prize… or, the accolade his daughters just awarded him: World’s Best Dad. Is it too late for him to turn things around, and more importantly, does he even want to?

MOST LIKELY TO KILL EACH OTHER – Ashleigh was an A+ student, and Ryan the star of the school rugby team. After years of putting each other down, they left school each convinced they would have the better life. Now, that old rivalry finds them drawn back together in a new, intoxicating way—one they’re both determined to hide.

With an evening of power cuts, fire alarms, sneaking off to explore classrooms in the dark, stolen kisses and heated fights—it’s like they never left at all.

About The Author

My Review

This is a fun, nostalgic romance set during a 10-year high school reunion, exploring love, growth, and second chances. Told through multiple POVs, it follows six main characters navigating secrets, regrets, and surprises in one night.
• Shaun and Steph, once dubbed “Most Likely to End Up Together,” reconnect while engaged to others, sparking doubts about their past decisions.
• Bryony, “Most Likely to Become Famous,” struggles to maintain her facade as a successful actress while hosting the reunion.
• Hayden, “Most Likely to Succeed,” faces scrutiny for choosing fatherhood over ambition and questions his life choices.
• Ashleigh and Ryan, “Most Likely to Kill Each Other,” transform their legendary rivalry into an unexpected romance.

This light, character-driven novel is perfect for fans of heartfelt, UK-set rom-coms like Sex Education. It’s an enjoyable, Netflix-worthy read about revisiting the past and reevaluating dreams.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- With This Ring By Amy Clipston

Dakota thought she had left her dreams of happily-ever-after behind, along with the pain of a broken engagement to her high school sweetheart, Hudson. Now, as the proud owner of Fairytale Bridal Shop in the picturesque town of Flowering Grove, she’s built a life and a business on helping brides find their perfect dress for their own fairytale weddings. But running a small business is not for the faint of heart, and when her ex-fiancé unexpectedly returns to town with a mission—to put a stop to his sister’s wedding—Dakota’s problems go from bad to worse.

Hudson Garrity should be living his dream. After selling his software company, he’s single, handsome, and rich, but an unexpected call from his baby sister has him flying down to his hometown, determined to protect Layla from yet another big mistake. Though he’s single-minded in his effort to derail the nuptials, he instead finds himself thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister with her plans . . . bringing him once more into contact with Dakota Jamison, the one who got away.

For Hudson, coming home means revisiting his painful childhood, repairing a strained relationship with his sister, and coming face-to-face with the woman he never stopped loving. For Dakota, it means confronting the tender memories she buried deep within her heart. As Layla’s wedding date draws close, the two reunited lovers begin to question if what went wrong between them really happened the way they remembered it at all. Will they continue believing the lies they’ve told themselves, or will they remain forever entangled in the threads of what could have been?

About The Author

My Review

This is a sweet second-chance romance set in the small town of Flowering Grove. Dakota, busy running her bridal boutique and teaching roller-skating lessons, reconnects with Hudson, her ex who broke her heart seven years ago. Both struggle with personal issues—Dakota’s stubbornness and Hudson’s unresolved grief—but they gradually find their way back to each other.

The story highlights themes of love, healing, and community, with a warm small-town backdrop. Realistic characters and heartfelt moments make this a touching and uplifting read, perfect for fans of clean, emotional romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Midnight In Paris By Gillian Harvey

Ten years. Two people. One last visit…

Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.

They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.

Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.

Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…

About The Author

My Review

This is a deeply emotional novel that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances, set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. The story follows Sophie and Tom, a couple who return to Paris annually, with a narrative that intertwines their past and present, delving into issues such as grief, infertility, and resilience. The multi-timeline structure, shifting between their first summer many years ago, two weeks ago, and the present, adds complexity to the narrative, though some readers may find it confusing.

The novel is noted for its emotional depth, with well-developed characters that evoke strong feelings, making it a poignant read that may require tissues at hand. The story is more serious and heavy-hitting compared to the author’s usual work, addressing the frailties of relationships in a nuanced and sensitive manner. The unexpected twists and the moving direction of the story contribute to its status as a page-turner, drawing readers in from the start and taking them on an emotional rollercoaster.

Overall, “Midnight in Paris” is a compelling and heart-wrenching tale that captivates readers with its exploration of profound themes and its evocative portrayal of a couple’s journey through love and loss in the city of Paris.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Widow Waive The Rules By Julia Jarman

Having supported each other through the first shaky years of widowhood, the future was starting to look brighter. But when Janet is dealt another blow, it’s all hands on deck for the firm friends.

Deciding what Janet needs is a change of scenery, Viv and Zelda book a luxury cruise on the Queen Mary 2, heading for the bright lights of New York. And once on board, the women are entranced. A floating pleasure palace, the Queen Mary is just what the doctor ordered. From tai chi to dance lessons, cocktails to crafting, there’s nothing they can’t do to while away the miles at sea.

But when they are joined at their first supper by fellow widow Primrose Carmichael, the holiday takes an unexpected turn. Because not only does Primrose share Janet’s surname, but their late husbands were both called Mal… As the similarities between the two women stack up, so do Viv and Zelda’s suspicions. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before they’re in sight of the Statue of Liberty, the friends are ready to waive a few rules…

About The Author

My Review

Widows Waive the Rules by Julia Jarman is a charming novel that follows Janet, grieving her second husband’s loss. Friends Zelda and Viv take her on a Queen Mary II cruise to New York, but unexpected drama arises when fellow widow Primrose reveals striking links between her late husband and Janet’s first husband. As secrets unravel, the widows work together to solve the mystery and restore Janet’s happiness.

The book masterfully blends humor, mystery, and heartfelt friendship, with vivid descriptions of cruise ship elegance and engaging characters. It’s a celebration of resilience, love, and living life to the fullest.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 30 June 2025

Kilts And Kisses At Highland Hall By Hannah Lynn

Numbers don’t lie, and neither does the heart…

When straight-laced London accountant Rebecca Barker arrives at neglected Highland Hall armed with spreadsheets, strategies, and a surefire plan, she has absolutely no intention of mixing business with pleasure. But the estate’s brooding groundskeeper, Duncan MacDuffrey, is a variable she hadn’t accounted for.

Heartbroken, Duncan focuses on managing the rambling estate while keeping his heart firmly locked away. But something about this career-focused city girl, with her perfectly pressed suits and hidden wit, makes him want to risk it all again—even as the entire village tries to keep them apart.

Between professional boundaries and a fiercely protective Highland community, a romance should be the last thing on either of their minds. Yet as mists roll in from the Loch and across the estate, even the most careful calculations can add up to love.

Review Card & Book Review- Crossing The Line By Kelly Jamieson

Rule #1 Do not cross the line with best friend’s sister
Ben
On the ice I’m formidable, relentless and I lead by example. Now my coach wants me to step up as Captain – and lead the team off the ice too. But this is my worst nightmare; I’d rather play hockey naked than do any kind of public speaking! To make matters worse, my best friend’s sister has shown up out of the blue to live with us temporarily. We have a history… it’s awkward, she’s starting to invade my fantasies and I can’t seem to escape her. But maybe she could be the answer to my problems…
Mabel
Moving in with my brother was not part of my life plan, but I have no choice at the moment. I need to get away and start my life over. I just wish I didn’t have to share the condo with Ben. I thought I’d buried my teenage crush, but seeing him all the time has me fascinated with him all over again! But now he’s asking for my help to be more outgoing and confident, and basically fake it until he makes it. Sure I can help, but that would mean a lot of time alone. I need to stay strong and resist the obvious temptation…

About The Author

My Review

Crossing the Line by Kelly Jamieson kicks off a new hockey romance series with the story of Mabel Smits and Ben Antonov. Mabel, a free-spirited librarian, has just left an abusive relationship and moves in temporarily with her hockey-playing brother, seeking stability. To her surprise, her former crush, Ben, also shares the space. Ben, a reserved and dedicated hockey player, is striving to improve his public image to qualify for team captain—a challenge that pushes him far outside his comfort zone.

As Mabel helps coach Ben in social confidence, they form a genuine connection. Ben values Mabel for who she truly is, in contrast to her controlling ex. Their relationship is heartwarming, built on mutual respect and personal growth. The story balances Mabel’s journey of reclaiming her independence with Ben’s determination to lead without compromising his quiet nature.

This is a charming and satisfying romance with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a touch of sports drama. Fans will enjoy the chemistry between Mabel and Ben and look forward to revisiting the hockey world through future stories in the series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Love Letters From Her Cowboy By Sasha Summers

He may be an aloof cowboy…

But still waters run deep!

Practical cowboy Dougal McCarrick sure didn’t believe in things like love at first sight. But the moment he sets eyes on Emory Swanson and the injured dog she’s rescuing, Dougal can’t help but be captivated by the beautiful Granite Falls newcomer with the mournful eyes. So much so that the shy rancher pours his feelings out in letters. Racked with guilt over her husband’s death, Emory’s still paying penance for the past. Why does she deserve the beautiful words of a mysterious cowboy poet? Dougal may just be the one to melt the ice from her heart…and in the process, capture his own elusive and forever love. 

About The Author

My Review

This story revolves around Emory Swanson, who moves to Granite Falls to cook at her aunt’s B&B and heal from the loss of her husband. Her journey toward recovery begins when she rescues an injured stray dog, with the help of Douglas (Dougal) McCarrick, a quiet cowboy smitten with her gentle spirit. Unable to express his feelings directly, Dougal begins writing heartfelt poetry and leaving it anonymously at the B&B, all while supporting Emory and her aunt with repairs and chores.

As Emory and Dougal grow closer, their connection blossoms into a tender romance, filled with warmth and quiet strength. The book delivers a cozy, heartwarming tale with charming characters, delightful moments, and a hint of spice, making it a beautiful and satisfying read for romance lovers.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- A Christmas Dream By Shanna Hatfield

He came to build the house of his dreams, but found a home for his heart.

After an extensive search for the ideal location to build a house he’s spent years designing, Brant Hudson knows he’s found the perfect site the moment he sets foot on the land near Silver Bluff, Oregon. However, frustrating delays leave him laboring alongside the very crew he hired to finish the house in time for Christmas. His work leads the woman who catches his eye to believe he’s a carpenter rather than the owner of the grand manor.

Holland Drake grew up on a farm, but she aspires to secure a position as a housemaid at Hudson House. While delivering lunch to her brother at the worksite, the door opens to a job when Holland encounters a strikingly handsome carpenter whose charm captivates her. Soon, Holland discovers the enchanting man is none other than the owner of the house and her new employer.

As the holiday season arrives amid a flurry of excitement and possibilities, Holland and Brant face choices that could change their lives forever. Will fear hold them back from stepping into the future together, or will their Christmas dreams of love come true?

About The Author

My Review

A Christmas Dream by Shanna Hatfield introduces the Hudson House series with Brant Hudson’s story. Brant, a wealthy man building a dream home in Silver Bluff, Oregon, pretends to be a worker on the house to connect with Holland Drake, a local woman he falls for. While his deception creates tension, Brant’s genuine care for others and his desire to create a welcoming home make him a likable character. Holland, who dreams of working at Hudson House, finds her life changing in unexpected ways.

The story balances humor, romance, and relatable struggles, including class differences and acceptance. Although Brant’s brief dishonesty is frustrating, it’s resolved quickly and humorously. The diverse cast is memorable, and side character relationships add depth. This wholesome, heartwarming tale explores timeless challenges while delivering a satisfying love story.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Welcome To Pennycress Inn By Sarah Hope

Laura wants to shake things up. She’s thirty-eight, and has been living in her parents’ house since her divorce last year. Her siblings seem to have got their lives together: successful careers, happy marriages, beautiful children.
Laura’s determined to prove herself. And buying the beautiful Pennycress Inn in the idyllic Cotswolds village of Meadowfield could be just the way to do it.
But getting the inn ready for its first guests proves easier said than done! With crumbling walls, dangerous woodwork and loose roof tiles, not to mention unfriendly locals and even errant sheep, Laura soon fears she’s made the wrong choice.
Luckily a friendly face is on hand in the form of gorgeous chef, Jackson. But is he too good to be true? And just why are the villagers so against her? Can Laura turn her life around and get the fresh start she longs for at Pennycress Inn?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming romance and journey of self-discovery set in the charming Cotswolds village of Meadowfield. The story follows 38-year-old Laura, who takes a leap of faith by purchasing a run-down inn, the Pennycress Inn. As she tackles its renovation, Laura also embarks on a path of personal growth, confronting her fears and doubts.

The village comes alive with vivid descriptions and a lively cast of characters, including a resistant community and mischief-making sheep. The budding romance between Laura and Jackson, a supportive and charming chef, is sweet and genuine, complementing Laura’s journey. Their chemistry and Jackson’s encouragement of Laura’s dreams make their connection especially heartwarming.

The book masterfully balances the challenges of restoring the inn with Laura’s personal triumphs and an intriguing mystery about the villagers’ initial resistance to her plans. It’s a feel-good novel with humor, depth, and a satisfying resolution, making it a perfect read for fans of cozy and empowering romance.

My Review

Link To Purchase