Review card – Page 67

Review Card & Book Review – How To Charm A Nerd By Katherine Garbera

Dungeons and dragons and nerds, oh my…

The spooky season is almost here, and occultist and tarot reader Liberty Wakefield is already feelin’ it. But ever since her sick nan muttered the name of Liberty’s mysterious biological father, nothing feels normal. Not her friends, her family, nor the quirky shop she runs with her besties. So maybe it’s time for Liberty to track down the father she’s never met. Of course, that means getting a little help from the sexy nerd she’s been not-so-secretly vibing since last summer…

Merle Rutland hasn’t met anyone like the vivacious, bubbly Liberty. Part of him wishes he was more like her—instead of hiding his geekery from his hyper-athletic family. The other part just wants to pull the curvy redhead close, steal a kiss and hope he doesn’t roll a critical fail.

Only, somewhere between Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, pumpkins and a few ridiculously hot sexy-times, Liberty and Merle discover their respective weirds might be a match. Yet as Halloween draws closer, it seems everyone has skeletons in the closet…and nothing spells disaster quite like being haunted by the past…

About The Author

My Review

Liberty Wakefield, a witch, enlists Merle Rutland, a nerdy D&D expert, to uncover her biological father’s identity. Their chemistry grows through shared experiences, but repetitive inner thoughts slow the story’s pace, detracting from its engaging premise of romance and self-discovery. While their connection deepens, unresolved pasts threaten their budding relationship. The novel is compelling but lacks execution, focusing too much on inner dialogue instead of action.

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Review Card & Book Review – Last Christmas By Clare Swatman

As Christmas approaches, Bea Preston has a choice.

Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, she knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.

What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?

About The Author

My Review

Bea is on a plane to New York just before Christmas, contemplating whether to start a new life in the Big Apple or stay behind. She’s leaving a strained relationship with her live-in boyfriend, who suffers from depression, and is unsure if she should move forward with her own life. On the flight, she meets a man she nicknames Paddy, who keeps his real name a secret, hinting that it’s something people have laughed at in the past. The story alternates between two parallel timelines: Bea’s life at home and her life in New York, leaving the reader to wonder which is real and which will work out.

This novel is praised for its unique and clever premise, seamlessly blending two possible realities. It explores the idea that life’s path can be shaped by fate, with unexpected twists leading to different outcomes. The book is a life-affirming romance, reassuring readers that the right things happen for the right reasons, even if they don’t align with initial expectations. The story is well-crafted, Christmas-themed, and emotionally gripping, making it a memorable read that’s difficult to put down.

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Review Card & Book Review – One Midnight With You By Shari Low

What would you do if you had just twenty-four hours to change your life?

Ailish Ryan has been in hiding since her husband’s affair ended their marriage. But when a friend forces her to face her new reality, will she choose to revisit the past or embrace a brand-new future?

Ailish’s daughter, Emmy, thought her boyfriend was nothing like her cheating father, but now she’s not so sure. As the hours pass, she turns detective to find out if she picked the right man, or if history is repeating itself.

Grandmother, Minnie Ryan is on a mission to deliver a very special gift to a lifelong friend. But will dogged determination and a touch of divine intervention be enough to overcome the obstacles that fate puts in her way?

Dario Moretti has spent his whole life working in the family business, but now it’s in trouble and he’s all out of options. Will he have the strength to let it go, even if it means hurting the people he loves?

The clock is ticking… but will twenty-four hours be long enough to heal four broken hearts?

About The Author

My Review

*”One Midnight with You”* follows three generations of women—Ailish, her daughter Emmy, and mother-in-law Minnie—through a single day on New Year’s Eve in Glasgow. The story is set over 24 hours, divided into two-hour segments, as multiple characters face pivotal moments of loss, whether it be a job, a loved one, or a relationship. As the clock ticks toward midnight, they must make decisions that will shape their futures.

The novel is heartwarming and packed with emotions—laughter, tears, love, and anxieties—as the characters gather at GINO’s, their traditional New Year’s Eve spot. The book emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past to embrace the future, and despite the challenges, each character brings a heartfelt determination to find solutions. It’s a feel-good read where even those who’ve made mistakes are genuinely likable, making it easy to lose yourself in their stories.

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Review Card & Book Review -The Fecking Fabulous Forties Club By Freya Kennedy

Becca Burnside isn’t sure where it all went wrong…

How did she end up single in her forties, with the highlight of her weekend being a trip to Big Asda with her mum and the only chance of cuddles coming from her dog?

It’s fair to say that Becca’s life isn’t quite where she’d hoped it would be. She already knew that, deep down, but when she finds the time capsule she and her friends made as teenagers and remembers the hopes and dreams sixteen-year-old Becki (with an i) had for the future, she knows she has to do something, and fast.

Refusing to be controlled by her hot flushes and Unexplained Waves of Sadness, Becca is determined to turn things around – for Becki’s sake. But what will it take to prove there’s life in the old girl yet?

About The Author

My Review

Becky, now single with her twin boys at university, reconnects with old friends Laura and Niamh after the death of a friend’s mother. They revisit a time capsule from their youth, prompting them to rethink their lives as they approach their late forties. The book is a heartwarming celebration of female friendship, blending humor and emotion as it explores themes of divorce, parenting, aging, loss, and self-discovery. It’s a relatable and uplifting story that encourages readers to pursue their dreams, no matter their age, and to cherish the bonds that support them through life’s challenges.

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Review Card & Book Review- Bitter Truth By Meredith Wild & Jillian Liota

After nine years in LA, aspiring singer Murphy Hawthorne leaves behind her broken dreams to return to her family’s vineyard. But as she helps open the property’s new restaurant, she faces a family still bitter about the fact she ever left, and old wounds quickly resurface. The only refreshing note is the handsome head chef, Wesley Hart.

Hired to draw more tourists to the Hawthorne vineyard, Wes is a culinary master with a reputation he wishes he could forget. Struggling with regrets and complex family dynamics of his own, he’s trying to start over, too. The biggest mistake he could make right now is to act on his attraction to his boss’s younger sister. If only he could get her out of his head…

Despite all the reasons to keep their distance, Murphy and Wes can’t deny the connection that keeps drawing them together. In each other, they find refuge and a sense of belonging neither could have imagined. But to forge a new future together, they must answer one important question: Can they face the past—and forgive it?

About The Author

My Review

Murphy returns to her small hometown after a failed music career and meets Wes, a handsome good Samaritan who later turns out to be the new head chef at her family’s restaurant. Despite trying to stay away from each other, their instant chemistry is undeniable. However, complications arise when Wes discovers Murphy is his boss’s sister, making their relationship off-limits. Both have been wounded by past relationships and are looking for second chances. The story is a delightful blend of small-town charm, forbidden romance, and character growth, with themes of family, forgiveness, and rebuilding dreams.

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Review Card & Book Review- Going Toe To Toe By Yahrah St. John

After their no-strings fling in paradise, Lyric and Devon never thought they’d see each other again. Until they did. Now they have very different ideas about what the future holds…

Sometimes you just have to take the leap…

What happens in Aruba, stays in Aruba… That’s what former ballerina Lyric Taylor keeps telling herself, at least. After all, now that the curtain has closed on her ballet career, and with the search for her biological parents stalling, she could use a little distraction. So when a lodging mix-up leads to an unexpected fling in paradise with her sexy bunkmate, Devon, Lyric takes the plunge. Seven days of sun, sand and plenty of sizzle—and when it’s time to go home, their no-strings sitch will come to an end… Right?

Single dad Devon Masters spent the last eight years shielding his daughter, Kianna, from life’s disappointments—and he’s gotten pretty good at cutting pain off at the pass. But nothing can prepare him for this latest bombshell: discovering Lyric Taylor is Kianna’s new dance teacher. What happened in Aruba seems to have followed them home, but they’ll have to keep it under wraps for as long as they can. Soon, however, new feelings take hold and old wounds resurface. Will they finally find the rhythm they need to redefine what belonging truly means?

About The Author

My Review

Lyric Taylor, a former ballerina, seeks solace in Aruba and begins a passionate fling with Devon Masters, a charming man she meets during her stay. Upon returning home, Lyric discovers that Devon is the father of her new dance student, complicating their lives. As they navigate their deepening emotions and personal histories, they must redefine their paths and what home truly means. This book delivers a heartwarming, swoon-worthy story with relatable characters and a seamless, captivating narrative that leaves readers with a smile.

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Review Card & Book Review- Hidden Secrets Between Them By Mindy Obenhaus

He never meant to be a father.

But it could be the life he’s always wanted.

In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind?

About The Author

My Review

Kirsten and Brady, once in love, separated when Brady revealed he didn’t want kids. Unbeknownst to Brady, Kirsten was pregnant with twins. Years later, they reunite in Hope Springs, each harboring secrets. Brady’s reluctance stemmed from a fear of passing on a medical condition, while Kirsten kept her pregnancy hidden. As they navigate their rekindled relationship, they must overcome past fears, trust in each other, and embrace their faith for a second chance at love and family. The story beautifully explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and faith.

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Review Card & Book Review – Falling For Her Forbidden Bodyguard By Hana Sheik

RESISTING HER OFF-LIMITS PROTECTOR…

Independent and strong-willed Anisa is furious. Her estranged brother has hired a bodyguard to follow her all the way to Madagascar, supposedly to protect her from hidden enemies! But as their eyes lock, she can’t deny it would be easy to fall for the gorgeous stranger. Clearly Nasser feels the same, yet he’s grappling with guilt from a painful past. Anisa knows they mustn’t give in to their forbidden attraction…only their connection is too powerful to ignore!

About The Author

My Review

This is a captivating romance novel that combines passion, intrigue, and emotional depth. The story centers around Layla, a strong, independent woman facing unexpected dangers, and her bodyguard, Zahir, who is determined to protect her at all costs. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Zahir is strictly off-limits, leading to a thrilling and tension-filled dynamic that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Layla is portrayed as a resilient woman, but also one who struggles with her vulnerabilities, making her a well-rounded and believable protagonist. Zahir, on the other hand, is a classic hero—strong, loyal, and deeply conflicted by his growing feelings for Layla. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their forbidden attraction adds a layer of intensity to the narrative.

The plot is well-paced, with a mix of romance, suspense, and drama. The tension between Layla and Zahir builds steadily, leading to a satisfying and emotionally charged climax. The author also skillfully weaves in elements of family loyalty, cultural expectations, and personal honor, which add depth to the storyline and make the characters’ struggles more relatable. One of the standout aspects of the book is its setting, which is vividly described and adds a rich backdrop to the romance. The cultural nuances and societal pressures faced by the characters are handled with sensitivity and provide an additional layer of conflict to the story.

This is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of intense, emotion-driven romances. Hana Sheik has crafted a story that, while rooted in familiar tropes, offers enough depth and character development to keep readers invested until the very end. If you enjoy a romance with strong characters, cultural richness, and a dash of suspense, this book is worth picking up.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Cowgirl Finds Home By Carol Ross

They’re enemies for life…

Or for as long as it takes to fall in love

Executive assistant and ex-cowgirl Violet Blackwell knows her boss’s nephew, Garrett McCoy, is the life of the party—and the charming thorn in her side! But when they’re forced to share a ranch house together, she proves she’s not the “buzzkill” he thought she was. In fact, they’re starting to become more than friends. Only, McCoy’s hiding a secret agenda. Will it throw Violet off cowboys…for good?

About The Author

My Review

Violet and her sisters were once part of a trick riding group led by their mother and aunt. After a near-fatal accident, they went their separate ways. Violet now works as an executive assistant at McCoy Oilfield Services, determined to prove her worth with her rigid and detail-oriented nature. Garrett McCoy, the owner’s free-spirited nephew, prefers ranch life over oil fields but occasionally helps his uncle with new projects. Despite their constant head-butting, there has always been an underlying attraction between them.

With Violet’s mother dating her boss and Garrett moving to the farm where Violet lives to help with livestock, they can no longer ignore their spark. As ulterior motives and outside influences threaten their budding relationship, they must decide if love is worth fighting for. This sweet, charming story highlights that appearances can be deceiving and that family will always be there to love and support you.

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Happy Publication Day – 4 February 2025

The Many Futures Of Maddy Hart By Laura Pearson

Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.

It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years from now.

She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a life that is just… wrong.

Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of what lies ahead for them is happy. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.

There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the life she’s seeing with Oliver, she realises she has to break his heart now…

Sweet Escape By Meredith Wild And Jillian Liota

After a heartbreaking betrayal, singer-songwriter Vivian Walsh needs a getaway. Her best friend Murphy’s family vineyard is the perfect refuge to focus on her new album, free from unnecessary distractions—like men. Few are more tempting than Murphy’s workaholic brother, Memphis. He’s infuriatingly handsome, and Vivian can’t resist teasing him whenever she gets the chance.

Memphis has a lot on his plate with his struggling family business. The last thing he needs in his life is a spitfire like Vivian. They have nothing in common but the heat between them. The good news is that neither of them are looking for a relationship. Just release from the pressure. One no-strings night with Vivian couldn’t hurt. Or two. Or three. Maybe a distraction is exactly what they need.

When Vivian’s life back in LA comes calling, both realize their feelings might have grown far more than they planned. They will have to decide: Is it time to say goodbye? Or can their sweet escape turn into their forever?