Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review – Three Cowboys and a Bride By Kate Pearce

Cowboy Max Romero is a married man—even if he hasn’t seen his bride since their impulsive Reno wedding. When the seriously sexy Brit Phoebe Creighton-Smith suddenly shows up in his life again, the last thing he expects is a request to play man-and-wife in front of her family. But it sounds like a challenge to the mischievous Max, who offers Phoebe one in return—give up proper English etiquette for riding the range like a real rancher’s woman.

Phoebe is willing to rope a stallion, if it means she can convince her grandmother to release the trust fund she’s entitled to after marriage. She’ll just have to pretend that her deliciously brawny “husband” isn’t tempting her to total abandon every minute of every day—and night. But just when the heat between them crackles into a blaze, Phoebe’s snobby clan forces Max to make a choice, he knows he’ll risk everything to convince her that with them, true love is a sure thing . . .

About The Author

My Review

Max, known for his unpredictable nature, returns with a newfound maturity and direction in life. Despite his efforts to prove himself, his friends remain skeptical of his intentions with Phoebe, which saddens him. Phoebe, married to Max for four years but estranged, finds more understanding from Max and his friends than from her own family. Misunderstandings plague their relationship, causing repeated hurt. While they eventually reconcile, the conclusion feels rushed. Overall, it is a good read to me.

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Review Card & Book Review – Romancing The Grump By Jenny Proctor

He’s a grump and happy to stay that way. But can her sunshine melt the ice around his heart?

Nathan Sanders didn’t earn his reputation as the grouchiest player on the Appies hockey team by chance. So when Summer Callahan breezes into his life with her flirtatious smiles and endless charm, he responds like he always does: he completely ignores her.

But Summer is intrigued by the surly defenseman, so when a viral social media post requires her to step in and fake it as Nathan’s girlfriend, she jumps at the chance. She’s convinced the ones with the hardest shells are often the softest underneath, and she’s determined to prove it.

But Nathan doesn’t crack so easily. Despite their obvious chemistry, he makes his lack of interest in a relationship—any relationship—perfectly clear. But the longer they pretend, the less fake everything seems, and the more Summer starts to fall.

She can only hope her fake relationship doesn’t lead to real heartbreak.

About The Author

My Review

This book made me a proud fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope! Engaging characters and heartwarming moments made it a delightful read, even without spice. Summer’s determination to make Nathan smile added depth, and their interactions were pure gold. Nervous about her new job, Summer agrees to be Nathan’s fake girlfriend for PR reasons, hoping to connect with him. Nathan, drawn to her warmth despite his past, begins to question his reservations about relationships. This light, enjoyable read left me smiling.

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Barnes & Noblek

Review Card & Book Review – My Heart Still Beats By Helen Hardt

Some days I can almost see the person I used to be. See the version of myself that felt joy, even passion. But she’s gone…just out of reach.

Life moves on for everyone else, though, and as my best friend’s maid-of-honor, I have a bachelorette party to plan—in Jamaica, no less. And that means working side by side with the best man: Benjamin Black.

Billionaire. Workaholic. Ultimate bachelor. The perfect catch for any woman—unless she’s lost her sense of self.

Apparently my body hasn’t gotten the memo. Because from the second we meet, something begins stirring, warming my blood.

And when our hands touch, it’s a heady reminder that even if I feel numb, my heart still beats.

He’s nothing like I thought. Every moment with him unshackles a little more of my fears, cracks another layer of ice.

But I should be afraid—and so should he. Because the past never lets go so easily.

About The Author

My Review

**Tessa** used to be a vibrant and carefree woman until she experienced severe trauma from sexual assault, which left her withdrawn and distrustful. She feels like she’ll never regain her former happiness. Now, she must put on a brave face to organize her best friend’s bachelorette party, despite her overwhelming desire to hide from the world.

**Ben**, a wealthy and charming reformed playboy, works with his brother Braden. Knowing Tessa’s past, he becomes protective and deeply empathetic towards her. His feelings for her grow as they spend more time together, and he falls in love with her. Despite knowing she may never be ready for a romantic relationship, Ben is determined to support her and help her find happiness.

As Tessa slowly heals, Ben’s own troubled past begins to resurface, complicating their dynamic. Helen Hardt’s book, known for its intense romance, delves deeply into emotional and dark themes with care and sensitivity. The story is a compelling emotional journey, eliciting a wide range of reactions from the reader, from laughter to tears and frustration.

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Happy Publication Day – 16 November 2024

Second Chances At Hollyhock Farm By Georgina Troy

Festival season has come to Hollyhock Farm…

Since his sister Lettie took over their parents’ farm on the beautiful island of Jersey at the start of the year, Zac Torel’s life has changed completely. Zac loves Hollyhock Farm, and he’s determined to help Lettie succeed, but when their insurance company refuses to pay for the restoration of one of their barns in time for winter, the clock is ticking for the Torrels to raise the money themselves.

The siblings decide to host a wellness festival, but with the summer already well underway, they’ve got their work cut out to get everything ready before the season ends. Lettie recruits the help of Melody, a yoga teacher from Edinburgh. New to the island, Melody is determined to shake things up and make a success of Lettie’s festival.

But Melody has come to Jersey with more baggage than her small backpack implies. And as her friendship with Zac grows, will her past catch up with her?

Onwards And Upwards By Celia Anderson

Ingrid is desperate to sell up and move on. Recently widowed, she no longer needs the large house or the treasures (and tat) collected by her late husband, Tommy, an auctioneer. Then there’s the debt he left her with, too.

So, she jumps at the chance to downsize and move to Willowbrook on a temporary lease. She’ll open a pop-up shop for just one year – to dispose of Tommy’s accumulated goods – and then move on. No getting embroiled in village life.

But Ingrid hasn’t reckoned on Willowbrook’s extrovert local ladies (known as the Saga Louts). Or handsome local craftsman Joel, with whom there’s a definite attraction. They all want to help set up ‘The Treasure Trove’.

Surprisingly, it turns out Ingrid can also help them.

Will she ever achieve the fresh start and simpler life she craved? Or will Ingrid discover a wonderful new way to move onwards and upwards?

Review Card & Book Review – Royal Retelling By Holly Kerr

What if Prince Charming fell for the wicked step-sister?

The youngest son of the king of Laandia, Gunnar lives a charmed life, travelling the world without a thought of what’s going on in the kingdom. But when he’s called home for the royal wedding, Gunnar finds he has a big problem:

Prince Gunnar doesn’t have a date for the wedding.

And while this shouldn’t be a problem for the Playboy Prince, Gunnar has requirements: whoever he takes can’t take the attention away from the bride and groom, which would definitely happen with his jet-setting friends; and whoever he brings needs to know this is a one-time thing.

So when the town’s Sea Queen agrees to go with him, Gunnar is relieved—but her oh-so wicked stepsister, Stella, decrees it a very bad idea.

Once childhood friends, Stella now considers him more like a sworn enemy. Gunnar prefers to not think of her, because this Stella, who curses rather than curtsies, has a never-ending arsenal of insults that is a sure way to ruin his day.

But as the wedding approaches, and Gunnar spends more time with Stella, he starts to wonder that, in this fairy tale retelling, he’s picked the wrong sister.

About The Author

My Review

**Royal Retelling** is the second book in Holly Kerr’s *Love in Laandia* series, which can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story centers on Prince Gunnar, a daring playboy from Laandia, who returns for his brother Odin’s wedding. Without a date, he asks Daphne, the town’s Snow Queen, but finds himself increasingly attracted to her stepsister, Stella, his former childhood friend.

Stella resents Gunnar due to a misunderstanding from their past, where she believed he was unfaithful to her friend. Despite their strained relationship, their witty exchanges help rekindle their connection. As Gunnar comes to terms with his feelings for Stella, he faces a choice between his adventurous lifestyle and a committed future with her.Overall, this book have well-developed characters, humor, and the thoughtful inclusion of non-binary representation, enriching the narrative.

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Review Card & Book Review – Far From Home By T A Williams

The secrets of the past will unlock her future…

Working in the fast-paced foreign exchange market in Canary Wharf, Amy never expected her job to drive her to collapse. With her doctor advising she take a month off work, when Amy receives a solicitor’s letter informing her of a surprise inheritance in Italy, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

But who on earth has left her a house in the sleepy Tuscan hills?

As she gets to know the town and its inhabitants, Amy discovers more about the mysterious man who named her in his will. Shocking family secrets come to light, leaving Amy questioning the life she knew.

The town of Sant’Antonio holds more than just secrets. Here, Amy meets Adam, a renowned TV journalist whose documentaries take him to dangerous places. But as their attraction grows, so do Amy’s worries. Her life is in England, while Adam’s is untethered and under constant threat…

About The Author

My Review

“Far From Home” follows Amy, a forex worker who inherits property and a substantial sum from an unknown benefactor in Italy. After collapsing from a suspected heart attack, Amy is forced to take leave from work and travels to the Tuscan hills. There, she discovers her magnificent inheritance and uses the time to reflect on her relationship with her boyfriend. As Amy investigates her mysterious benefactor’s identity, she embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery. The novel features charming characters, a tight-knit community, and the delightful presence of a black Labrador. The romance develops slowly, culminating in a satisfying conclusion, but the true focus is on Amy’s personal growth and leap of faith. With its enchanting setting and engaging plot, the book offers a delightful, sunny read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Finding Love In Micklewick Bay By Eliza J Scott

Welcome to your happy place…

Stella Hutton has everything under control. Her high-flying career as a lawyer relies on her keeping a calm, rational head on her shoulders. She hasn’t got time for love, or space for a man in her glamorous new apartment, a converted warehouse overlooking the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay.

But when a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a head of dark curls, everything changes. Making a beeline for her, Alex Bainbridge introduces himself while a gorgeous labrador waits at his feet. Electricity instantly sparks between Stella and Alex, as her heart flips inside her chest and her usual strict rules about men fly out the window…

Stella thinks her crush will pass. But every time she bumps into Alex – on her daily jog along the promenade, at the supermarket, inside the Happy Hartes Bookshop – her feelings only grow stronger. Her close-knit group of friends have never seen her like this before. After thirty years of being happily single, has Stella finally met the one? Or will her cherished independence sabotage her chance at a forever love?

About The Author

My Review

This is a contemporary romance featuring Stella Hutton, a barrister who moves back to her hometown and meets Alex, a charming single man with a Labrador. As Stella falls for Alex, she becomes interested in uncovering the identity of her father, despite her mother Alice’s discouragement. Stella’s career as a barrister influences her tendency to assume the worst, leading to misunderstandings, such as when she mistakenly believes Alex’s female companion is his girlfriend. The novel balances romance with Stella’s personal journey. It’s recommended for fans of contemporary romance where the protagonist’s flaws drive the plot, those who enjoy a mix of romance and character exploration, and readers who appreciate small-town UK settings.

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Review Card & Book Review – Summer Days At Clifftop Cottage By Eliza J Scott

Welcome to your happy place…

As summer comes to the tranquil shores of Micklewick Bay, Maggie Marsay is on cloud nine. She can barely keep up with orders for her handmade teddy bears, turning her crafting hobby into a thriving business. And after trying for a baby for some time, she has joyful news to share with her devoted husband Bear who she lives with in an idyllic clifftop cottage alongside their cheeky labrador.

But an unexpected visitor casts a shadow over Maggie’s sun-drenched bliss. Robyn, a ghost from the past Maggie hasn’t seen in twelve long years, arrives on their doorstep. What could have brought Robyn back into Maggie’s life after so long? Is she truly sorry for her past mistakes, or is she up to her old tricks?

Maggie welcomes Robyn into their home, trying her best to forgive and forget. But when Robyn starts to drive a wedge between her and Bear, Maggie’s close-knit group of friends and neighbours rally around. Can they help Maggie weather this storm and find her way back to happily ever after? Or is trouble here to stay?

About The Author

My Review

This is a contemporary novel following Maggie, her husband Bear, and Maggie’s cousin Robyn. Robyn unexpectedly arrives at Maggie’s door after years of estrangement, causing turmoil in Maggie and Bear’s lives. Robyn is the nightmare house guest, overstaying her welcome, using expensive items without permission, and even trying to cozy up to Bear. Maggie, a sympathetic character, struggles to tell Bear she’s pregnant after years of trying, while also managing a new contract for her handmade stuffed bears. The story explores themes of marriage strained by external pressures, pregnancy, and creativity. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy small-town contemporary romances with elements of family drama and personal growth.

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