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Showing posts from June, 2025

Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–/5 Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath, book two in the Miss Prentice’s ProtΓ©gΓ©es series, is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers dynamic, with Lottie and Guy being at odds from the beginning. Lottie is a farm girl turned disgraced governess protΓ©gΓ© of Miss Prentice. She can’t seem to stay in any position for very long; often because of borrowing a horse from her employer, to ride like the wind. Her wages help keep her family’s farm afloat, so she is eagerly to find another position. She is given the chance to a lady's companion to a woman, known to be notoriously difficult. Soon she learns that the lady happens to be the aunt of a man she nearly ran over while borrowing a horse in a most unladylike fashion.   The job takes her to her employer’s sister house where Lottie learns Guy is her nephew. The two both clash and come together as his aunt and mother embark on a matchmaking scheme disguised as a surprise party full of eligible debutantes. Lottie finds...

Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler

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  πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler is a sweet, second chance, slow burn romance between two estranged childhood friends. Both Nina and Quentin have returned to their childhood homes after becoming single and unemployed.  Nina is a bit unsettled being around Quentin again after he broke her heart and ghosted her when they were 15. He wants to forgive and forget and finish what they starts all those years ago - to find the hidden treasure left by an eccentric billionaire tycoon nearly a century ago;  which ended their friendship all those years ago. The conflict involved a lot of misunderstandings and strange decisions on behalf of both characters, but ultimately it turned out to be really sweet and heartwarming so I didn’t mind too much. Their banter was so great and Quentin especially made me laugh a lot. The estate setting was fun and it was enjoyable reading the bits about the late owner and all of his eccentricities. This was a fun second chance romance with...

Cruel Summer by Maisey Yates

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πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5   Cruel Summer, by Maisey Yates, is a wonderful, beautiful, heartwarming, forced proximity, opposites attracts, during this life changing road trip romance. It’s about finding yourself after discovering that you allowed yourself to be what everyone less expected. It’s about falling in love with yourself and choosing yourself and your happiness because you do matter. It’s about how you can develop into the best version of yourself when you’re loved completely, as you are, and as you develop into the person you have always meant to be. Sam’s comfortable life was turned upside down by one sentence from her husband of 22 years; he wanted them to have an open marriage. This led Samantha to ask that they separate for the summer. That allowed her to be on a journey of self-reflection, self-discovery and growth, as she worked through what she viewed what she wanted. Helping Logan, a friend, deliver classic cars around the country, Sam is challenged by what he called her sta...

Beneath Highland Star

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 Beneath Highland Stars by Kait Nolan, book three in the Special Ops Scots series, is a wonderful, heartwarming, emotional, love, danger, and surprises while suspenseful at times. The story is rich with a steamy romance intertwined with well-crafted suspense, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Add to that an endearing cast of pets and a close-knit yet evolving circle of friends, and you have an irresistible combination. Finn Patterson, and Saoirse MacGregor got off on the wrong foot when they first meet. One could argue that they gave each other grief because they were attracted to each other. Finn, along with his fellow team members and business owners, is grappling with the death of one of their own while learning that he has inherited a military dog named Ajax; a well-trained canine soldier who has saved his life on multiple occasions. When Saoirse's university best friend, Isla, fails to check in during her research expedition...

The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis

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πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis, book eight in the Sunrise Cove series, is a heartwarming, humorous, enemies-to-lovers tale where found family, second chances, forgiveness, healing, and love might just be the key to finding yourself.   Lexi Clark has had a difficult year. Her estranged mother passed away, she lost her job after trusting the wrong guy and now her confidence and self-worth have dropped to rock bottom levels. When her stepsister Ashley asks Lexi to return to Sunrise Cove to help complete their mother’s last wish, it’s the last thing she wants to do. Daisy, their mom, let Lexi down over and over, yet she helped Ashley thrive. Part of Daisy’s last wishes is that the girls deliver six envelopes to people their late mom had wronged, before they can move forward with their lives.   Heath Bowman, Lexi’s childhood rival and longtime thorn in her side, had always wanted Lexi; whether or not he chose to admit it before now.  Once a high power lawyer, he no...

The Forever Cottage by JIll Steeples

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  πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 The Forever Cottage by Jill Steele, book one in The Lower Leaping series, is a heartfelt and heartwarming story about rediscovering oneself following the collapse of a marriage; turning one’s world upside down.  Tess’s life suddenly changes as she finds herself alone after 30 years of marriage, when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Her daughter is away travelling and the only thing getting her through the day is Barney her little dog.   Determined to overcome her grief, Tess decides to decorate her beautiful garden office, transforming it into a personal retreat. However, a chance meeting with the charming yet struggling Rob Temple disrupts her plans, as she offers him the space to stay, sensing a kindred spirit. With the support of her long-time friends, Gina and Suzy, Tess must venture outside her comfort zone and embrace a new way of life filled with secrets, opportunities, and second chances if she is willing to seize them. As Tess begins...

COVER REVEAL - Fixing to be MIne by Lyra Parish

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  Coming June 26th.

The Vow by Stefanie London

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 The Vow by Stefanie London is a story of secrets and the ways bonds are tested through the darkest secrets of all. This book is a fast paced suspense packed with action, twists and turns, and surprises; grabbing me on page one, keeping me intrigued until I reached the last page. It is a unique take on the 'reunion secret' novel and one which is an absolute must read. It is told in a dual time-line, through the perspectives of three childhood friends and the fallout from an unfortunate event that occurred in their past. T hree women, who have been friends since their schooldays and are as close as sisters, come together for the wedding of one of them. Sofia, a successful wedding planner, Rose, a disgraced swimmer, married now with a young baby, and Ellie, an actress who has just landed an amazing role. Ellie is getting married at an exclusive resort with the three women arrive earlier than the guests for some pre-wedding time together. Someone is determined to...

A Deceptive Game Ensues by Sophie Barnes

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 A Deceptive Game Ensues by Sophie Barnes, book four in The House of Croft series, is an enjoyable mystery with its interesting characters and plot twist; making it difficult to put down. However, I do recommend that this series be read in order, since characters from the previous books do appear, and having not read any of the previous books in the series I felt a bit lost at times. Samantha and Adrian Croft are settling down to a quiet life of marital bliss after Adrian was acquitted of their crimes; from the previous book. Adrian overhears a conversation at his club about servants going missing and after news of a found body earlier, he and Samantha join forces with Kendrick and his new assistant Miss Hastings to track down the murderer. This time, they are in a legal collaboration with Bow Street as they try to figure out the culprit in a string of murders. Following the clues, they believe the person is a physician or surgeon with connections to Saint George’s...

The Puck Stops Here by Rachael Stewart

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 The Puck Stops Here by Rachael Stewart, book three in The Karma series, is Astrid's emotional story.  Astrid, a journalist, has been scorned by a man. While snowed in at the airport she meets three other women who turn into her ride-or-dies as they bond over the men that hurt them. It’s during this drunken experience that they make a pact to give back a little karma to the men that did them wrong. Will the plan succeed or backfire in the most delicious way imaginable.   Astrid, a journalist, is using her occupation to get close to hockey twins Blake and Aiden. The real target here is Aiden, who truly broke another member of the club, Sienna’s, heart years ago when he left town and broke all contact. Astrid goes behind the scenes to write an article about the brothers and how they became such superstars in the NHL. Things don’t quite go to plan when Astrid falls for Aiden’s twin brother Blake; who might be just what she needs. It becomests complicated wh...

No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee, book three of the Heirs series, is the gripping conclusion; this time someone wanting Alex Stone dead. With multiple twists, romance, and awesome characters, this story is filled with guesswork, conjecture, and surprises that immediately grabbled me, with a suspenseful opening that had me hooked.   Alex took over her late father's company after his passing. With the demands of her unplanned new role, Alex has come to terms with living life alone, focusing on her new career, and reshaping the hotel empire. What she didn't account for was having a target on her back which led to death threats. In comes Hawk Bronson, the bodyguard that unexpectedly protected and rescues Alex when she needed it. As the threats continue, Hawk is hired as Alex’s bodyguard, and he knows he should keep his distance; but when the tension builds and sparks fly, it might just be worth the risk. Hawk needs to work through his past trauma and be able ...

Murder Italian Style by Diane Vallere

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 Murder Italian Style by Diane Vallere, book sixteen in her Samantha Kidd Mystery series, is a fantastic story that I could not put down .   Samantha and Nick thought their Christmas gift from Nick's dad, a dream trip to Italy was simply a generous surprise. They never suspected that he had a secret agenda. Once they arrive, Samantha finds out that the whole purpose of the trip was to convince her to reopen a family cold case from 26 years ago. Although Samantha had success in solving cases and finding murderers in the past, this was the first time she was doing it with this kind of pressure: in a different country, involving people she didn’t know, who speak a different language, with a possibly innocent man’s freedom on the line, with only her immediate family and host family for support. A scary task that left her panicking at first, but before long the Samantha Kidd we know and love jumped in. The murder scene might not have any clues left to reveal, but th...

Falling in Love at Pennycress Inn by Sarah Hope

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πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5   I loved Nicola and Charlie's story in Falling in Love at Pennycress Inn by Sarah Hope, book two in the Pennycress Inn series, a sweet, charming, and story, set in the small picturesque Cotswold village of Meadowfield.   Nicola Fields is still struggling with the emotional fallout after her painful breakup with her unfaithful fiancΓ© Nathan. Seeking solace and distraction, she occupies herself with her duties at the enchanting and cozy Pennycress Inn; a place where she grew up while her mother managed the Inn for many years. She enjoys working in familiar surroundings and gets along well with the new owner, Laura and her fiancΓ© Jackson. The Village is getting ready for its annual carnival, managed by Nicola’s friend Jill for several years. Nicola is asked to help by visiting the owner of Little Mead Farm to ask for his assistance about borrowing the trailers and space to get them ready for the Carnival. The visit is a disaster; she discovers Farmer W...

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver is  a fun rom-com with love, sweetness and a splash of humor. Kate, a thirty-nine year old divorcee and former actress, is seeking a job since she is virtually penniless. With no other option, she considers restarting her acting career. Charlie, a talent agent, is also a divorced and is seeking out someone to play the author of a book a bestselling romance. Since the book is in a completely different genre than their norm, they don’t want to be associated with. Enter Kate, now starring in the role of ghost author; doing all the publicity events and acting as though she is the actual author. With Charlie accompanying her on the tour, one wonders if there will a happily ever after between the two of them. This is a story about grief, not just the grief of losing a loved one, but also the grief of losing yourself, and eventually, finding your way back.   #NetGalley #RandomHouse # SlowBurnSummer 

Cover Reveal - I Could Be Yours by Helena HUunting

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  Cover Designer: Hang Le https://www.instagram.com/byhangle/ Illustrations by Rosie’s Fables https://www.instagram.com/rosiesfables/ The best man ghosted me six years ago after kissing me, and now I have to do every wedding event under the sun with him. Nate Stiles is the definition of serious. Furrowed brow?  Check . Rain cloud personality?  Double check . I shouldn’t be thinking about the fact that our kiss was the best one of my life right now. I should be planning the bachelorette party of the millennium. I shouldn’t be wondering when Nate became such a good dancer after we got roped into salsa lessons with the happy couple. I should be mentally ticking off boxes on my bridal checklists. I shouldn’t be wondering what it would be like if I didn’t hate Nate Stiles. I should be holding strong against a man who doesn’t believe in love. My name is Essie Lovelock. I am a reformed love obsessed fairytale fanatic and I’m determined to be the best maid of honor my best friend...

Roommating by Meredith Schorr

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πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 Roommating by Meredith Schorr is a heartwarming, soul-touching, multi-generational rom-com, where a shared living arrangement turns into more. Sabrina, a busy grad student, was matched with 72-year-old Marcia on a roommate app that brings younger people who need a place with lower rent together with older folks who have an extra room and need some help around the apartment. They become fast friends, but an unexpected third roommate is added when Marcia's estranged grandson, Adam, comes back into her life, needing a place to live as he figures out his future. Marcia wants to know Adam better, so she invites Adam to stay on the couch. Sabrina finds Adam attractive and sparks fly between these two, but it’s a bit crowded in the apartment and she worries that she’ll no longer be welcome once her lease is up. When Marcia becomes ill and is advised that maybe she should shed one of her roommates: living there turns into an awkward competition. Ms Schorr wrote the ideal s...

The Sweet Life by Debbie Mason

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πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 The Sweet Life by Debbie Mason,  book three in the Sunshine Bay series, is a  wonderful emotional story   filled with family drama, laughter, misunderstandings, forgiveness, high emotions, and plenty of love. Jake and Sage, once enemies, reunite when after their mutual mentor, Alice is found dead. They need to deal with Alice's death as they also explore the feelings they have for each other; while creating a legacy to honor their friend. Gia and Flynn have recently reunited. Flynn, six years younger, is Gia’s younger sisters ex. Meanwhile, Sage’s aunt Cami and her mom, Gia, are at odds, after Cami has written a book that included family secrets: her sister is really her cousin; her aunt ran off with her father, and things are crazy in this Italian family. Fortunately for Gia, Flynn is there to hold her hand through it all and show her the real meaning of romance. There is a lot of drama, a lot of love and great storytelling. Add in a bit of mystery, a stalk...

The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh

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πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5   The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh, book one in the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series, is a fun, wonderful, humorous, heartwarming, single mother, grumpy landlord, set in a small town. This is a spin-off from the Starlight Cove series and yes you will catch up with some the characters from those stories; especially gossip queen Mabel.   Sutton, a travelling nurse, has been surviving on her own since she was a teen. This single mom and her teenage daughter, Laurel, are on their way from Atlanta to Starlight Cove for her next job. Stopping for the night and needing a break from her daughter, Sutton spends a little time at the bar, sharing a kiss with a stranger to avoid a creepy guy. That kiss really packed a punch because the two end up having spending some time burning up the sheets in the guy’s room. The next day when Sutton arrives at their rental house, imagine her surprise to realize her landlord is her one-night stand.   Former pro ...

An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– 5 An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan, book two in the Cage Family series, is an amazing heartwarming story about love, regrets and second chances , along with f amily responsibilities, and loyalties which come with a lot of drama and chaos.   Isabella and Weston a summer together where they fell in love, planning a future together until the he left her behind without explanation; never telling her his parents died and he needed to raise his siblings. Afterwards, they both closed their hearts off to love; unable to forget the other or the pain of losing what they once had between them. Fate has brought them back together for a second chance at love: if they can sort through the hurt, regret and anger, and willing to make a fresh start. The attraction and sizzling chemistry still sparks between them, so just being friends doesn’t seem possible. When a man who stalked and hurt her before is released from prison, reappearing and bringing trouble and unease...

One Night Flame by Kait Flynn

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  πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 One Night Flame: A firefighter bachelor auction single mom one night stand small town romance b Kait Flynn, book one in the Hot Shots of Huckleberry Creek series, is a fast paced steamy novella that certainly captivates the reader throughout the entire story.   When firefighter Cord, aka Hollywood, volunteered for a bachelor charity auction, he had no idea he would be won by a grandmother who was about to change his life. It turns out she won him for her granddaughter. This meddling grandmother went through a lot of trouble to get this date set up. Lucy is a teacher and a single mother of an adorable little boy.   From the moment Lucy and Hollywood meet they share an instant connection, and it would not let them go. Neither was looking for love, but it found them, and wouldn't let them give up without a fight. Having children was not in Cord’s plans, so he’s not sure how to handle the fact when he learns Lucy is a mom. With advice from his squad mates, he ...

Sunset by Sharon Sala

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 Sunset by Sharon Sala, book one in the Crossroads series, is a gripping, heart-tugging, heartwarming tale with beautiful, magical sunsets while weaving romance, suspense, and deep emotions that come with love and second chances. From the first page, I was pulled into this world of complex characters, small-town charm, and a story that kept me invested until the very end. After nearly dying from a bull riding accident, Sonny Bluejacket receives a gift by his ancestors in which he could see bad things happening to the people he loved and warn them He was living with his brother and family on their ranch when he unexpectedly inherited a horse ranch in Crossroads; giving him a chance to restart his life .  Walking into the Yellow Rose diner in Crossroads, Pearl the cafe owner, knows Sonny and welcomes him into the cafe. He is immediately he is drawn to sassy and strong waitress Magnolia "Maggie" Brennan. Maggie had a sad start to her life, experiencing aband...

The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne

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 πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’– /5 The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne is a moving, heartfelt, heartwarming story about friendship, found family, lost love, chronic illnesses, and second chances, as half-siblings discover one another later in life, and more.   Alison Wells and Juniper Connolly are strangers who share a link, one that Juniper doesn't know about; after the results of a DNA test reveals they are half-sisters After completing law school, Ali takes a job as a marketing intern in Juniper's company; needing an excuse to meet her. As Juniper is about to fire Ali, she suffers a cardiac event. Fortunately Ali had recently taking a CPR course, after the death of her famous novelist father from a heart attack, and was able to work on June while waiting for paramedics; saving her life. Ali invites Juniper to recover at her late father's ranch in Wyoming, so she can get to know her and work up the nerve to tell her that they are most likely sisters. While at the ranch, June becom...