Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review – Come Rain or Shine By Sarah Bennett

There are worse fates than growing up knowing that you will one day inherit a vast and magnificent Cotswolds country estate, but for Rhys Travers it has always felt like a huge responsibility.

Juniper Meadows is home to much of his extended family, not to mention the many local businesses that operate on the estate, so there’s no time to sit back and enjoy the view. Juniper Meadows is a full-time job, and that doesn’t leave much time for romance…

Tasha Blake’s career leaves no time for romance either – much to her mother’s chagrin. Tasha’s sister Danni has kindly provided two grandchildren, but Victoria Blake is keen for more! When her job takes her to Juniper Meadows for an extended project, the slower pace of life, the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the Travers family, soon has Tasha in its thrall, and the future Lord of the Manor Rhys Travers is rather easy on the eye too.

As the busyness of life on the estate sweeps Tasha and Rhys along, they are both able to ignore the secrets and silences that are growing between them. But when the future of Juniper Meadows hangs in the balance, loyalties and love are tested to breaking point. When the chips are down, can Rhys and Tasha see a future together, come rain or shine…

About The Author

My Rating

“Come Rain or Shine” is a cozy and charming English romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Sarah, the author, delivers a delightful story with a nice, soft pace that focuses on Tasha breathing new life into the camping site at Juniper Meadows. While the story can be read as a standalone, it’s enhanced by the connected side stories from previous books in the series. Tasha’s passion for her new job and her refusal to compromise her morals make her a compelling main character. The contrasting family dynamics between Tasha’s and Rhys’ families add depth to the story, while Rhys himself is the perfect male lead: gorgeous, kind, protective, and with a sweet vulnerability. The romance between Rhys and Tasha is a beautiful blend of slow burn and workplace tropes, with their chemistry being both delicious and delightful. Their strong personalities complement each other, making their interactions engaging and their growth as a couple satisfying to witness.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Woman Who Ran Away from Everything By Fiona Gibson

Kate is sick of being taken for granted by her husband Vince. It’s bad enough that she allowed herself to be dragged away from the London life she loved, but now she’s constantly compelled to keep up with the (very smug) Joneses in this small home counties town. She hates it here. What happened to the fun-loving woman she used to be? At almost 50 Kate feels lost, overlooked and like nothing is ever going to change. That is, until she comes home to an unexpected party – one that she has to cater.

And that’s it. The final straw. Breaking point.

Scrambling out the bathroom window, Kate leaves. She has no plan, but a chance encounter at Euston station sees her following her own heart for once – to beautiful Scotland where a crumbling mansion and a handsome bookseller could be just what she needs . . .

As Kate discovers, sometimes you have to feel utterly lost to find out who you truly are.

About The Author

My Review

The novel is a thrilling and engaging read, following Kate’s journey as she escapes her suffocating life with her husband, Vince, and embarks on a series of adventurous escapades. From impersonating another woman to a trip to Scotland, the story is filled with enjoyable and madcap moments. Meanwhile, Vince struggles to cope with Kate’s departure, unaware of the true reasons behind it. Both characters are at a crossroads in their lives, and the novel explores whether their new paths will lead to happiness. With well-developed characters and vivid writing, the novel is a delightful pick-me-up read that captures the essence of spontaneity and risk-taking.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Bordeaux Book Club By Gillian Harvey

Love books? The Bordeaux Book Club is seeking new members!

When Leah and her husband moved to France, it was with the dream of becoming self-sufficient. But in truth, it’s not the ‘good life’ she’d imagined, as three hours of digging barely yield a single straggly carrot. Worse, her teenage daughter is acting up, and her husband seems to find every strange excuse under the hot French sun to disappear.

So when her friend entreats her to join the new bookclub she’s forming, Leah decides it’s something she will do for herself. The chance to make new friends, to drink a few glasses of wine, and to escape into stories that take her miles away from the life she’d thought would be her own happy-ever-after.

But the book club is a strange group of misfits. There’s prickly Grace, who lives alone and seems to know everybody and like no-one. Buttoned-up Monica, who says her husband is away and appears to be parenting her baby all alone. Handsome builder George, who has barely read a book before. And Alfie – who is a full two decades younger than everyone else, and is hiding a devastating secret…

As the stories they read begin to bring the new friends closer together, Leah is about to discover that happy-ever-afters don’t always look how you expect them to…

About The Author

My Review

Leah, the protagonist, relocates to a farm in France with her family, hoping for an idyllic life but finds it challenging. She joins a book club, forming deep friendships that sustain her through marital difficulties. While the novel excels in character development and setting, pacing occasionally falters due to excessive description. Nevertheless, readers, especially bibliophiles, will enjoy the exploration of books’ power to unite people. The story intertwines the lives of the book club members, who find solace and support in each other, navigating through their own emotional turmoil. Despite frustrations with the characters, the engaging narrative keeps readers invested, offering unexpected and satisfying conclusions for each member. Overall, “The Bordeaux Book Club” is a charming and immersive read, showcasing the author’s talent in crafting compelling stories of friendship and personal growth.

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Review Card & Book Review – Secrets at the Cottage by the Sea By Caroline Young

Arriving on the doorstep of her new cliffside cottage with its craggy, white-washed walls and chipped blue door, Jude Fitzgerald closes her eyes and listens to the cries of oystercatchers and the crash of waves in the cove below. As she steps over the threshold into the rundown old cottage, Jude feels like she’s come home. Ever since the death of her husband, Alex, she’s longed to return to the island of Anglesey, which they visited for their honeymoon only a few years before.

Resolved to hide away from the world, Jude spends her days walking the beaches alone, while at night she gazes at the stars lost in memories, until an unexpected gift from a kind neighbour offers her a lifeline. Slowly, she opens her heart to the island community, joining a class to learn the local language, going sea swimming with new friends, and rediscovering her long-forgotten love of art. Over time, Jude sees that while her old life has ended, a new one is just beginning.

But first she must let go of everything that ties her to the past – including family secrets that have passed from one generation to another and keep her from picking up the phone to her estranged mother. As events take a surprising but welcome turn, Jude learns that it’s possible move on while keeping Alex in her heart, and that it’s never too late to follow your dreams…

About The Author

My Review

Although the second installment in the “Welcome to Anglesey” series, “Secrets at the Cottage by the Sea” stands alone effectively. Caroline Young crafts a poignant narrative, skillfully tackling various challenging themes against the backdrop of London and the picturesque Anglesey. The protagonist, Jude Fitzgerald, navigates the aftermath of her husband Alex’s death, finding solace and healing in Anglesey as she grapples with grief and questions about her future. Young’s vivid descriptions bring the setting and characters to life, drawing readers into Jude’s emotional journey of loss, friendship, and self-discovery. “Secrets at the Cottage by the Sea” is a beautifully written story that resonates long after the final page, making it a highly recommended read.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Suspect Next Door By Rachel Astor

I’m stalking him

…for research!

My bestselling-mystery-author career had come to a standstill, and I was plagued with writer’s block. So I asked myself: What would my favorite fictional girl detective do? She would find a suspect to inspire her to finish the case, of course! Luckily, I have a new, mysterious and very dreamy private investigator next door to follow. I’m going to help him solve the case and finally finish this book of mine. Then maybe the two of us can pursue The Case of the Perfect Couple…

About The Author

My Review

Petra, a successful mystery writer, faces writer’s block and decides to shadow her neighbor, a private investigator, for ideas, despite the dangers and her tendency to act foolishly. She disregards his warnings and idolizes Nancy Drew, causing tension between them. The novel’s suspenseful plot centers on the search for a missing girl, although Petra’s interference occasionally disrupts the narrative flow. The romantic subplot between Petra and Ryan is subtle, leaving readers guessing about his true feelings. Despite this, the book delivers a satisfying conclusion, prioritizing mystery and suspense over character development.

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Review Card & Book Review – SEAL Endgame: Three Book Military Romance Boxset By Leslie North

Falling in love is a deadly distraction…

Dangerous pasts, undercover couples, and surprise babies… These sexy Navy SEALs are trained to keep cool under pressure. But they’re about to learn that desire can melt the coldest heart. Lose yourself in this steamy new boxset by USA Today bestselling author Leslie North.

In Hunted, when beautiful Leila Ortize shows up at his gun range desperate to buy a weapon, former Navy SEAL Clint Backwater feels driven to protect the terrified woman and her child…at all costs. But can his heart take it if things go wrong?

In Exposed, Navy SEAL Eric Harvey agrees to help his buddy’s journalist sister go undercover at a couples retreat. But the gorgeous Beth Williams won’t allow anything to come between her and her career …Not even the smoldering attraction growing between her and Eric.

And in Threatened, when a friend’s tragic death leaves former Navy SEAL Gage Winters caring for orphaned twins, the babies’ stunningly beautiful aunt, Kylie, offers to help. But resisting the red-hot desire Gage feels for Kylie may be more of a challenge than he can handle…

About The Author

My Review

Hunted

Leila faces the threat of her abusive ex-husband, who is now on parole, potentially harming her and their young son. Despite the danger, she demonstrates admirable strength, resilience, and determination. Seeking protection, she visits ex-SEAL Clint’s gun shop to purchase a firearm. While Clint recognizes her vulnerability and the need for assistance, he also feels a strong attraction to her.This story resonated deeply with me. It’s challenging to imagine being in Leila’s shoes, navigating the complexities of single motherhood while living in fear of her ex-partner. The author skillfully portrays Leila’s internal struggles, including insecurities and doubts about her worthiness, as well as her concerns about forming new relationships and trusting others. I appreciated Leila’s spirited nature and her reluctance to fully depend on Clint or rush into a romantic involvement with him.

Exposed

Beth, an investigative journalist, finds herself needing to go undercover, but her partner is on medical leave. She crosses paths with Eric, a SEAL recovering from an injury, and they share an immediate attraction. Eric agrees to pose as her fake husband for a couple’s island retreat. Despite their individual issues and insecurities, they discover they are well-suited for each other and quickly develop feelings. The mission proves perilous as Beth narrowly escapes death three times, but both she and Eric demonstrate resilience and determination. Eric ultimately comes to her rescue. It’s hard not to root for Beth and Eric as they share playful banter and flirtatious moments, making them a dynamic and appealing pair.

Threatened

Gage unexpectedly becomes the guardian of twins following the tragic death of his close ex-SEAL friend and his wife in an accident. Kylie, the twins’ aunt, enters Gage’s life determined to challenge him for custody. Having experienced profound loss early in life, Gage is resolute in his commitment to providing the best care for the twins. Meanwhile, Kylie grapples with the grief of losing her sister, her inability to conceive, and questions about why she wasn’t chosen as the twins’ guardian. As their bond deepens, Kylie faces additional turmoil when she discovers she is a target, placing the twins and Gage in danger. This emotional journey explores themes of loss, parenthood, new relationships, and self-doubt, eliciting empathy for both Gage and Kylie.

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Review Card & Book Review – Ex In The City By Portia MacIntosh

Nicole Wilde’s life has not panned out how she expected.

Ten years ago when she was living the rock star lifestyle as a music journalist – touring the country, going to gigs and hanging out with celebrities – she never thought she would end up living an uneventful life in suburbia, in a relationship that is well past its sell-by date.

Nicole knows that her days of wild parties and tour buses are over, but yet there is something that keeps drawing her back to her old life. So when rock star Dylan King turns up on her doorstep needing her help to restore his public image, she can’t resist one last trip down memory lane.

But Nicole and Dylan’s history is complicated. And when her old life and new life collide, she will soon realise that you can’t run away from your past forever, and sometimes you just have to follow your heart…

About The Author

My Review

Nicole, a former music journalist, traded her rockstar lifestyle for a settled life with her partner Rowan and his kids. However, when her past resurfaces, it shakes up her world. The novel offers a peek into the music industry and life on the road, with relatable characters and a second chance romance between Nicole and her rockstar friend Dylan. As Nicole navigates trust issues and reflects on her desired life, the story resonates with moms juggling family and past dreams. Despite minor pacing issues, the plot unfolds smoothly with engaging complexity and chemistry between characters. Overall, it’s a well-crafted novel by MacIntosh that promises an enjoyable read.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Grumpy One By Leslie North

Cleaning floors in Branson Couture was never part of my career plans. Neither was almost decapitating the CEO with a mop.Of course, I didn’t know he was the CEO—my mind only registered “intruder” and “hot”. Maybe not in that order.

Meet James Branson: infuriatingly hot, obscenely wealthy, and as charming as a door slammed in your face. He’s the king of high fashion. And, apparently, of ruining my day. The thing is, he wants to do more than just ruin my day. In my hasty retreat from the mop-attack I left my design journal behind.

James discovers my designs and offers me truly insane money to work beside him. Every cell in my body is screaming: “Run, girl!” James is a master of the boardroom with a heart encased in steel. This Snarlmaster General has a scowl that could out-thunder a hurricane. He also holds the key to my dreams in his giant mitts. But I can’t think about his giant… anything.

In the fashion world, it’s not just designs that get ripped apart at the seams. Hearts do as well. But if James thinks I’ll let him unravel mine, he’s in for the fight of his billionaire life. So I have a plan: Show up. Do my job. Don’t think about my boss naked. Piece of cake, right?

About The Author

My Review

This book introduces readers to a hilarious and charming romance between Natalie, a spirited cleaner, and James Branson, the grumpy CEO of Branson Couture. Their worlds collide when Natalie accidentally attacks James with a wet mop, leading to unexpected sparks and a surprising job offer for Natalie on James’s design team.North skillfully weaves together humor and romance in this delightful romantic comedy, featuring witty banter, steamy encounters, and heartwarming moments. Despite their initial clash, Natalie and James find themselves drawn to each other, creating a captivating story filled with laughter and love.With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and sizzling chemistry.

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